Who painted Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia)?

Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia) was painted by Francisco Díaz Carreño in 1891.

Where can I see Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia)?

Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia) is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia)?

Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia) is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia)?

Museum-quality prints of Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia)

Francisco Díaz Carreño , 1891

Martín Fernández de Navarrete (copia) is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Francisco Díaz Carreño. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This 1881 oil painting portrays Martín Fernández de Navarrete, a historical figure distinguished by his affiliation with the Order of Isabella the Catholic.

This 1881 oil painting portrays Martín Fernández de Navarrete, a historical figure distinguished by his affiliation with the Order of Isabella the Catholic. The composition incorporates a book as a key attribute, likely symbolizing Navarrete's renowned status as a writer and historian. By including the insignia of the order alongside the literary object, the work visually constructs an identity centered on both royal service and intellectual achievement.

The portrait functions as a commemorative representation, emphasizing the subject's dual legacy within Spanish naval history and literature through these specific iconographic elements.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting executed on canvas, a medium consistent with the academic portrait tradition of late nineteenth-century Spain. Its dimensions of 110 by 85 cm place it in a standard cabinet-portrait format suited to a single seated or half-length figure.

Stylistically, the piece is identified as a copy after a portrait of the historian and bibliographer Martín Fernández de Navarrete, who is depicted wearing the insignia of the Order of Isabella the Catholic and accompanied by a book, attributes signaling his scholarly distinction. The handling reflects the descriptive, realist conventions typical of Francisco Díaz Carreño's documented practice in 1881, when the copy was produced.

History & Provenance

This oil painting on canvas was created in 1881 by the artist Francisco Díaz Carreño. The work depicts Martín Fernández de Navarrete, who is shown with a book and wearing the insignia of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. Measuring 110 cm in height and 85 cm in width, the piece entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it is currently housed.

The specific circumstances regarding its original commission or any intermediate owners prior to its arrival at the museum are not detailed in the available records.

The painting is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it is located. The work was created in 1881 by Francisco Díaz Carreño and depicts Martín Fernández de Navarrete. While the artwork's presence in the museum is established, the provided records do not list a specific inventory or accession number. Furthermore, there is no information available in the current sources regarding any exhibition history for this piece.

Overview

Created in 1891 by Spanish painter Francisco Díaz Carreño, this oil on canvas presents a formal portrait of Martín Fernández de Navarrete. The work is part of the Prado Museum’s collection and exemplifies late‑19th‑century academic portraiture, emphasizing precise rendering and dignified presentation of a notable historical figure.

Context

Fernández de Navarrete (1765–1844) served as a senior naval officer and director of the Spanish Royal Academy of History, roles that earned him the Order of Isabella the Catholic. The painting reflects the period’s practice of commemorating state officials through formal portraiture, aligning personal achievement with national prestige.