Don Bernardino de Rebolledo, spansk gesandt 1647 - 1675

This is an engraving of Don Bernardino de Rebolledo, a Spanish envoy, made by an anonymous artist. It is likely that this portrait was commissioned, perhaps by Rebolledo himself, to circulate among the elites of his time. The work reproduces the sitter’s noble status through visual codes, such as his clothing, jewelry, and carefully styled hair. Rebolledo’s gaze is directed upwards, signifying his virtue and piousness, important attributes for a diplomat. It is important to note that ambassadors acted as representatives of their Monarchs; this image acted as a representation of Spanish Royalty. The inscription surrounding Rebolledo's image includes the Latin words 'Laboriosvs In Otio Constans' - a motto indicating that the subject is constant and hard-working even in times of peace. As historians, we look to portraits such as this one to understand the social and political structures of the time. We can research the sitter’s biography, his role in government, and his relationship to the artist to gain a deeper understanding of the work's meaning and purpose.