Portret van Álvaro de Bazán 1759 - 1802

This print of Álvaro de Bazán was made by Bartolomé Vázquez in Spain at the end of the 18th century. It offers insights into the enduring power of historical figures and the role of art in shaping national identity. Álvaro de Bazán was a prominent naval commander from the 16th century and the image creates meaning through visual codes of power and nobility: his elaborate armor, the ship visible through the window, and the symbols that reference his victories. The presence of this image in the late 1700s reflects an appeal to earlier moments of Spanish glory. It evokes a sense of national pride in a period marked by political and social changes. To fully understand the significance of this portrait, one could research the history of Spanish naval power and its cultural impact. The study of biographical sources would also illuminate the historical context of the print, exploring its role in shaping collective memory. Art is contingent on its social context.