Cardinal Fernando Niño de Guevara (1541–1609)

Cardinal Fernando Niño de Guevara (1541–1609) is a powerful portrait by El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos), painted during the height of his career, circa 1595-1605. Executed in oil on canvas, this monumental work captures the subject, a prominent statesman and high-ranking prelate of the Spanish Golden Age, shortly before he was appointed as the Grand Inquisitor of Spain.

Greco's mastery of the Mannerist tradition is immediately apparent in the elongated figure and the intense focus placed upon the sitter’s psychological presence. The Cardinal, depicted as a strong and austere figure, dominates the composition. Greco uses a restricted palette, allowing the luminous crimson and white of the robes to dramatically contrast against the dark, indistinct background. This technique draws the viewer’s attention to the precision of the lace details and the formidable expression of the man, underscoring both his ecclesiastical status and his significant legal authority within the court of King Philip III.

This piece is one of the most celebrated examples of the Men and Portraits series Greco produced in Toledo. The artist successfully merges official court portraiture with his uniquely spiritual style, giving Cardinal Fernando Niño de Guevara (1541–1609) a sense of timeless introspection. This historically significant painting is classified as a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance art and resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Given its age and cultural impact, the image is widely recognized as falling within the public domain, making high-quality prints and references accessible for study worldwide.