Portrait of the 1st Duke of Lerma, Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas

This painting is an oil canvas that represents Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, the first Duke of Lerma. The painting follows the style of the Spanish court portraiture from the first quarter of the 17th century and it imitates the model of the diplomatic portrait. The figure is represented standing, in a frontal position and slightly supported on a table, thereby constituting a typology designed to exalt the dignity of the royal favourite.

The neutral background, with a dark tone and without architectural or symbolic elements, follows the canon of the Spanish baroque portrait, concentrating the visual focus on the physiognomic features. The face exhibits soft modeling, with lateral lighting that accentuates a grave expression. It also features a prominent mustache and a pointed beard which are elements consistent with other known representations of the Duke of Lerma.

The attire corresponds to the courtly fashion of the period. It consists of a black suit of austere cut and a wide cloak, both lined with ermine, which is indicative of the sitter’s high status. A gold chain with a medallion in the shape of a scallop stand out on his chest. The medallion incorporates the Cross of St James, an attribute that confirms his membership in the eponymous Order. The treatment of textures, such as ermine, velvet and gilded metal reveals particular care in the representation of the materials.

Regarding authorship, the work presents a complex attribution in the current state of research. Nevertheless, certain stylistic features allow for its assignment—although strictly conjectural—to a workshop of the Madrid school, whose style displays affinities with the followers of Juan Pantoja de la Cruz.