O Retrato do Sábio Príncipe, D. José (1714-1777), por Giorgio Domenico Duprà

Diogo Lemos Fernandes

doi:10.14195/2183-8925_44_14

Authors

Diogo Lemos Universidade de Coimbra, Centro de História da Sociedade e da Cultura, Faculdade de Letras https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2985-0119

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-8925_44_14

Keywords:

Portraiture, D. José I (1714-1777), Giorgio Domenico Duprà, University of Coimbra, Academic attire

Abstract

Acquired by the University of Coimbra in 2023, the portrait of Prince D. José (1714-1777), painted by Giorgio Domenico Duprà (1689-1770) in 1726, stands out for its absolute uniqueness, depicting the prince in a sober composition and black attire, stripped of any insignia indicative of his status. This iconography contrasts sharply with contemporary prescriptions regarding the elements and attributes to be included in portraits of D. José, raising questions about the purpose of the commission.

Building on the analysis of other analogous and contemporary iconographic repertories, this essay examines the elements of the prince’s attire, interpretable in light of Coimbra academic dress and its symbolic connection to the context of erudition promoted by D. João V in the early decades of his reign. In addition, it traces the notable trajectory of the work, identifying some of its successive owners, including King D. Manuel II (1889-1932) and Hubert Guerrand-Hermès (1940-2015).