Portrait of Marquess of Pombal
Joseph Vernet·1766
Historical Context
This 1766 Portrait of the Marquess of Pombal depicts Sebastiao Jose de Carvalho e Melo, the powerful Portuguese prime minister who rebuilt Lisbon after the devastating earthquake of 1755. Vernet was an unusual choice for a state portrait, being primarily a landscape and marine specialist, suggesting the marquess's personal admiration for the artist. Characteristic of Vernet's approach, the work displays dramatic atmospheric lighting, Claudean landscape structure, theatrical storm and calm effects.
Technical Analysis
The portrait demonstrates Vernet's competent handling of the formal portrait genre, though the landscape background reveals his true specialty in the atmospheric treatment of the setting.
