Cardinal Luis María de Bourbon (El cardenal Luis María de Borbón)

Goya had already painted this same sitter as a child in Arenas de San Pedro (Ávila), and represented him on two occasions following his appointment as cardinal.

This is, therefore, a commemorative, and rather solemn portrait, which shows the subject standing and full length, wearing skullcap and the red habit of cardinal and holding an open missal in his left hand. Around his neck hangs the sash of the Order of Charles III and the cross of the Saint Esprit, both of which decorations were given to him by King Charles IV. The figure stands against a black background, lit from the side.

A replica of this work, with some changes, exists in the Prado Museum and a copy, attributed to Agustín Esteve, can be found in the collection of the Marquis of Casa-Torres.

For more biographical information, see Luis María de Bourbon y Vallabriga.