Portrait of Cardinal Infante Ferdinand of Austria with Gun and Dog 1632

Diego Velázquez’s *Portrait of Cardinal Infante Ferdinand of Austria with Gun and Dog* is a powerful depiction of the young cardinal, son of King Philip III of Spain. Painted in 1632, the artwork showcases Velázquez’s mastery of realism and subtle detail. Ferdinand, standing in an outdoor setting, is dressed in hunting attire and holds a gun, his posture exuding a sense of power and authority. The inclusion of the dog, a symbol of loyalty and hunting prowess, further underscores the cardinal's role as a skilled hunter. The painting captures a moment of quiet contemplation, reflecting on the relationship between human and animal, and the intricacies of social status and power within the Habsburg court.