Charles III, 1786-88, oil on canvas, Museo del Prado, M Francisco Jose De Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828)

The composition presents a figure in outdoor attire, positioned centrally within the frame. He stands with a slight turn towards the viewer, his gaze directed outwards and upwards, suggesting attentiveness or perhaps surveying a landscape. The man is clad in a dark, tailored coat over a patterned waistcoat, accentuated by white stockings and buckled shoes. A tricorn hat sits firmly on his head, while pristine white gloves adorn his hands. Leaning against him is a long-barreled firearm, accompanied by a large hound lying at rest near his feet.
The background reveals a hazy, expansive vista of rolling hills and distant structures, rendered in muted tones that create atmospheric perspective. The light source appears to be from the left, illuminating the figure’s face and highlighting the textures of his clothing.
Several elements contribute to an impression of authority and leisure. The firearm, while potentially signifying hunting prowess or military readiness, is presented casually, almost as a prop rather than a tool actively in use. The hounds relaxed posture reinforces this sense of ease and control over nature. The elaborate attire, particularly the waistcoat and gloves, speaks to wealth and refinement.
The upward gaze and the slightly angled pose introduce an element of dynamism that prevents the portrait from feeling static or overly formal. It suggests a man engaged with his surroundings, rather than merely posed for representation. The landscape itself, while somewhat indistinct, implies dominion over territory – a visual cue often employed in depictions of rulers or individuals of high status.
The overall effect is one of cultivated masculinity and power, subtly conveyed through the combination of clothing, posture, and setting. It’s not an image of aggressive dominance, but rather of assured command and comfortable authority within a natural environment.