Portrait of Don Luis de Gongora y Argote

Diego Velazquez executed this portrait of the celebrated poet Luis de Gongora in 1622, during his first trip to the royal court in Madrid. The commission came through Velazquez's teacher Francisco Pacheco, who wanted a portrait of the famous writer. The result was much admired in Madrid and likely helped secure Velazquez's appointment as court painter.

Gongora (1561-1627) was one of Spain's greatest poets. The publication of his "Solitudes" and "Polyphemus" in 1613 made him one of the most celebrated and controversial writers of his era. Velazquez captured him with the psychological intensity that would become his trademark, influenced by Caravaggio's dramatic chiaroscuro lighting.

The original portrait is now at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. A version hangs at the Museo del Prado, though technical analysis suggests it dates from slightly later. The portrait measures 40.5 by 50.3 centimeters.