Gentleman in a Blue Coat Embroidered with Silver

This likeness of a grandly dressed young man stands out against an atmospheric evening sky. He is wearing a sumptuous blue coat decorated with a rhombus pattern, which is beautifully embroidered with silver thread on the collar and button placket. He was awarded the Order of Charles III and the Order of the Golden Fleece either owing to his royal status or in recognition of special achievements. The miniature possibly shows Don Pedro Carlos de Borbón (1786 – 1812), son of Gabriel de Borbón and Mariana Victoria of Portugal, and grandson of King Charles III of Spain. 

The right-hand edge of the painting bears the very precise signature “Lagrenée” and the year “1807” in large letters. However, the manner in which the miniature was painted is not typical of this artist, and the letters do not match known specimens of his handwriting. This is probably a work by the miniaturist Juan Bauzil, who was born on Cologne as Johann Bauziel and later lived in France and Spain. A miniature by him dated 1802 is known that is very similar to this work except for a few details.¹

B. P.