Portrait of Don Aureliano de Beruete Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923)

Here we observe a formal portrait of a gentleman seated in what appears to be a comfortable armchair. The subject is positioned at a slight angle to the viewer, allowing for a glimpse of his profile while maintaining direct eye contact. He wears a dark, double-breasted jacket over a lighter waistcoat, and his attire suggests a degree of affluence and social standing. A neatly trimmed beard and mustache frame a face marked by age and experience; the skin exhibits subtle indications of weathering, hinting at an outdoor life or perhaps simply the passage of time.
The artist has employed a restricted palette dominated by dark tones – browns, blacks, and deep greens – which contribute to a somber yet dignified atmosphere. Light is strategically used to illuminate the gentleman’s face and hands, drawing attention to these key areas and emphasizing their texture. The background is rendered in an indistinct manner, receding into shadow and preventing any distraction from the central figure. This deliberate obscurity serves to isolate the subject and concentrate the viewers focus on his presence.
The composition conveys a sense of quiet authority and introspection. His posture is relaxed yet upright, suggesting both confidence and a certain reserve. The way he holds his hands – one resting casually on the armrest, the other lightly touching his waistcoat – indicates an ease with himself and his surroundings.
Subtleties in the brushwork reveal a nuanced understanding of human anatomy and character. There is a deliberate avoidance of sharp lines; instead, forms are suggested through subtle gradations of tone and color. This technique lends a softness to the portrait, softening any potential harshness that might arise from the subject’s age or the formality of the setting.
The overall impression is one of understated elegance and quiet dignity – a depiction not merely of physical likeness but also an attempt to capture something of the sitters inner character and social position.