Don Pedro, Duque de Osuna

The Duke and Duchess of Osuna were the making of Goya. Over about 15 years this enlightened, immensely rich couple gave him close to 30 commissions, at a court where such steady patronage was rare. Here the duke stands against a bare dark ground in a quiet silk coat, one hand resting on a walking stick, the other holding a half-open letter. Look at the paper and it carries a dedication in Goya's own hand, addressed to the sitter. Osuna was among the wealthiest noblemen in Spain under Charles IV, known for backing writers and reformers rather than flaunting his rank. Goya answers that with restraint, almost no colour, the pale face and hands doing the work against the black.