Portret van kardinaal Francisco de Solís Folch de Cardona 1756 - 1788

Antonio Capellan created this print of Cardinal Francisco de Solís Folch de Cardona. Notice how the oval frame dominates the composition, creating a contained space for the portrait. The stark contrast between light and shadow sculpts the Cardinal's face, drawing our eye to his profile. Capellan’s expert use of line emphasizes the sitter's refined features, set against the textured fabric of his robes. On either side of the frame, Capellan has incorporated heraldic symbols, creating a semiotic system that reflects the Cardinal’s status and lineage. The choice of profile view is also significant; it flattens the image, removing depth and focusing on the sitter as a symbol of authority rather than an individual. Consider how Capellan uses linear precision and minimal shading to convey not just a likeness, but also a network of social meanings. This print functions as both an aesthetic object and a statement of power.