1249 - DOMÉNIKOS THEOTOKÓPOULOS, CALLED EL GRECO (CRETE, 1541 – TOLEDO, 1614) Circle - Presumed Portrait of Francisco de Pisa

DOMÉNIKOS THEOTOKÓPOULOS, CALLED EL GRECO (CRETE, 1541 – TOLEDO, 1614) Circle - Presumed Portrait of Francisco de Pisa Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 58.4 × 48.3 cm. Framed dimensions: 73.7 × 61 cm. An intriguing portrait of a Spanish gentleman dating from the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, closely related to El Greco’s portrait production. The painting displays numerous characteristics associated with the Cretan master’s mature works, particularly the penetrating psychological treatment of the sitter, the restrained palette, the deep dark background, and the masterful rendering of the white ruff, executed with the swift and confident brushwork typical of El Greco’s late period. The sitter’s typology bears notable similarities to works such as The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest and the Portrait of a Gentleman of the House of Leiva, sharing the same dignified bearing and the distinctive elongation of facial features characteristic of the artist. The figure has traditionally been identified as Francisco de Pisa (1534–1616), the Toledo-born historian and ecclesiastic, whose physiognomy has also been associated with figures appearing in El Greco’s celebrated masterpiece The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. The reverse retains a label from André Chenue, the renowned Parisian firm founded in 1760 and specializing in the packing, transportation, and storage of works of art. Long associated with major museums, collectors, and art dealers, the presence of this label attests to the painting’s historical circulation within the European art market. The canvas exhibits a significant accumulation of surface dirt, aged varnish, and numerous old restorations and overpaintings visible upon close inspection. A thorough technical examination and conservation treatment would be advisable in order to fully assess and reveal the original quality of the painting.