Portrait of Manuel Silvela
1809 Museo del Prado
About this artwork
This intimate portrait depicts the Spanish jurist and writer Manuel Silvela, characterized by his contemplative expression and attire typical of the early 19th century. It is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
Did you know?
Manuel Silvela was a notable figure in Spanish intellectual life, serving as a magistrate and later moving to Bordeaux following the Peninsular War. Goya, who was a friend of the Silvela family, captured Manuel's refined, melancholic look, which contrasts with the more formal official portraits of the era. The painting reflects Goya's masterful ability to convey the inner psychological state of his sitters with minimal brushwork and dramatic light.
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Portrait of Manuel Silvela
Francisco Goya, 1809
