Gaspar de Guzman, Count-Duke of Olivares - Francisco de Goya

A masterful 1778 etching by Francisco de Goya, reproducing the iconic equestrian portrait of the Count-Duke of Olivares by Diego Velázquez.

This etching by Francisco de Goya reproduces the famous equestrian portrait of Gaspar de Guzman, Count-Duke of Olivares, originally painted by Diego Velázquez. Goya produced this work in 1778, during a period when he was actively studying the royal collections in Madrid. By translating the oil painting into the medium of etching, Goya demonstrates his technical command over line and tone, capturing the dynamic posture of the horse and the authoritative stance of the sitter.

The Count-Duke of Olivares is depicted in a levade, a difficult equestrian manoeuvre that requires the horse to raise its forelegs while keeping its hind legs on the ground. This pose serves to project power and control, reflecting the political status of the sitter as the chief minister to King Philip IV of Spain. Goya employs varied line weights to define the textures of the horse's coat, the rider's armour, and the surrounding landscape. The cross-hatching techniques create depth and shadow, allowing the figure to emerge from the background with a sense of volume.

This print provides insight into Goya's early career, showing how he engaged with the masters of the Spanish Golden Age. Rather than merely copying the original, Goya interprets the composition through his own stylistic lens, focusing on the expressive potential of the etched line. The inscription at the base of the print acknowledges the source material, confirming that the work was drawn and etched by Goya after the painting by Velázquez. It remains a fine example of the tradition of reproductive printmaking, where artists sought to disseminate the visual language of royal portraiture to a wider audience. The composition balances the rigid formality of the courtly subject with the fluid energy of the animal, resulting in a balanced and visually engaging print.