Portrait of the Duke of Pastrana 1670

Juan Carreno de Miranda painted this portrait of the Duke of Pastrana in oil on canvas. While the Duke may seem remote from the world of labor, look closer and you’ll notice the incredible artistry of his clothing. It speaks volumes about the economic system that put him where he is. The fine lace on his sleeves, the embroidery on his cloak, and the weave of his stockings all point to specialized workshops. These were filled with skilled laborers, both men and women, who spent untold hours perfecting their craft. We tend to think of portraits as celebrating the individual, but this one also reflects a world of production, and the Duke’s place within that world. It is a testament to the power of craft, and the ways in which it can be used to express social status. The portrait transcends the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft, revealing the intricate web of social and economic relations that underpin our understanding of art history.