Francisco de Cabarrus 1788

Francisco de Goya painted this full-length portrait of Francisco de Cabarrus, a prominent Spanish economist and financier, during a period of significant social and political upheaval in Spain. The late 18th century was marked by the Enlightenment and the rise of bourgeois values, yet class distinctions remained firmly in place. Cabarrus, though influential, was still a figure operating within a highly stratified society. The portrait subtly reflects these tensions. Cabarrus's opulent attire speaks to his wealth and status, but Goya avoids idealizing him. Instead, he captures a certain unease in Cabarrus's expression, hinting at the precariousness of his position and the rapidly changing social landscape. The emphasis on Cabarrus's gaze, averted slightly from the viewer, adds a psychological dimension to the painting. It invites us to consider the complexities of identity and representation during an era of profound transformation.