Cardinal Fernando Niño de Guevara c. 1600

El Greco painted Cardinal Fernando Niño de Guevara in oil on canvas, and what strikes me most is the way in which the materiality speaks of power. The Cardinal's sumptuous garments, rendered in great detail, draw attention to the labour involved in their creation. Consider the fine lace, and the complex tailoring required to produce such imposing forms. These are not just clothes; they are potent symbols of wealth and status, reflecting the Cardinal's high rank within the church. The weight of the fabric, both literally and metaphorically, emphasizes his authority. El Greco’s skilled manipulation of oil paint enhances this effect, capturing the sheen and texture of the Cardinal's robes. The artist's technique, with its characteristic elongated forms and expressive brushwork, adds to the sense of drama and grandeur. Looking at this painting, it's clear that materials, making, and social context are crucial to understanding its full meaning. It challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, demonstrating how both can be used to convey power, status, and cultural significance.