Cuban school; circa 1790.

Cuban school; circa 1790.
"Portrait of Francisco de Paula Gelabert y Albiñana Orihuela".
Oil on canvas.
It has slight restorations on the pictorial surface.
Presents flaws and flaws in the frame.
Measurements: 105 x 75 cm; 121 x 91 cm (frame).
This Cuban portrait of Francisco de Paula Gelabert is an exceptional work, both for the scarcity of Cuban painting before 1800 that has come down to us, and for its historical relevance. His uniform, which can be related to models painted during the decade under the reign of Charles IV, reflects the Spanish military and aesthetic influence of the period. Compared to the works of artists such as Juan del Río and Vicente Escobar, this portrait stands out not only for its rarity, but also for its precision in the depiction of the attire and its connection to the plans of the Royal Navy in Havana. These qualities make it a valuable testimony to the pictorial tradition and cultural ties between Cuba and Spain during the colonial period.

In this portrait we see a young man, recognized by the note he holds in one of his hands as the engineer colonel and head of the Captaincy General of Cuba Francisco de Paula Gelabert y Albiñana Orihuela (Alicante, 1752 - Havana, 1805). This one is shown decked out in officer's uniform. The model appears half-length, next to a table on which rest his cap and several plans, alluding to his work as an engineer, who intervenes with a compass while with the other hand holds his sword in representation of his military victories. Behind him, the stage opens to landscape on the left side, while it is closed on the right by a large red curtain, usual in this type of official portraits. The protagonist looks directly at the viewer with a calm expression and a faint smile.

Francisco de Paula Gelabert played a significant role in the knowledge and dissemination of 19th century Cuban culture. His theoretical collaboration in the collection of articles "Tipos y Costumbres de la Isla de Cuba", published in 1881, provided a detailed and rigorous vision of the traditions, ways of life and social practices of the island. Víctor Patricio Landaluze also participated in this publication as an illustrator. Through his writings, Gelabert not only documented essential aspects of Cuban daily life, but also contributed to the preservation of a rich cultural heritage. His work as a chronicler and researcher reflects a commitment to a deep understanding of the diversity and uniqueness of Cuban society, making his work an invaluable reference for historical and anthropological studies.
Formally, the work of the face stands out, reflecting with naturalism the features but, especially, his expression, delving into the personality of the man, going beyond the simple physical or official description.