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Miguel Cabrera (Mexican, 1695–1768). Don Juan Joachín Gutiérrez Altamirano y Velasco. Mexico, circa 1752. Oil on canvas, 81 5/16 x 53 1/2 in. (206.2 x 135.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund and the Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 52.166.1
With a coat of arms in the upper left and a plaque of titles in the bottom left, this portrait places Don Juan Joachín (1711–1752) within a lineage of intrepid explorers and powerful aristocrats who vanquished and ruled colonial territories for the Spanish crown. As sixth Count of Santiago de Calimaya, Don Juan Joachín inherited the ceremonial governorship of the Philippines as well as posts in the Church.
An image of the moment as well as a testament to a familial and imperial heritage, the count wears the fashionable French style adopted after the Bourbon ascent to the Spanish throne: a long-tailed brocade coat with turned-up sleeves that match the floral pattern of his chupa, or waistcoat; knee breeches; scarlet stockings; and long-tongued, silver-buckled shoes. With his gloves in his left hand, he holds a sundial or a compass in his right, while casting an imperious look down his long nose.
Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum