Bernardo de Gálvez by José Nicolás de Escalera

A rare portrait of Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish military leader who played a decisive role in the American Revolution, makes its U.S. premiere at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Painted in 1781 by Cuban artist José Nicolás de Escalera, the oil-on-canvas work has been held in private hands for more than four generations before arriving in Washington, D.C. as a long-term loan from the Iberdrola Collection. The painting goes on view beginning July 2 as part of the museum’s ongoing exhibition “Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900,” and its presentation is curated by Taína Caragol, senior curator of painting and sculpture at the National Portrait Gallery.

The portrait is significant not only for its artistic rarity but also for the story it tells about Gálvez’s contributions to American independence. Escalera, a self-taught artist often described as “the first Cuban painter,” appears to have painted Gálvez from life during the leader’s stay in Havana. The work depicts a man who, after a distinguished Spanish military career under King Carlos III, became acting governor of Louisiana. Gálvez controlled the port of New Orleans, enabling critical supplies and aid to reach the Continental Army despite blocked supply chains. After Spain declared war on Great Britain in 1779, he led successful campaigns against British forts at Baton Rouge, Natchez, and Mobile, and claimed Pensacola for Spain in May 1781—the same year this portrait was created. Escalera’s likeness later served as the model for other painted and engraved portraits of Gálvez. The loan coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary and is part of Iberdrola’s “Unveiling Memories” project, which seeks to recover and highlight the contributions of Spain and Hispanic people to American independence.

When: Ongoing; on view beginning July 2 as part of the “Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900” exhibition.

Venue: National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, First Floor, East Galleries, Washington, D.C.

Tickets: Price not available.

Exhibition: “Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900.”

Curator: Taína Caragol, senior curator of painting and sculpture, National Portrait Gallery.

Credit: Bernardo de Gálvez by José Nicolás de Escalera, oil on canvas, 1781, Iberdrola Collection (long-term loan).

About the Artist: José Nicolás de Escalera (1734–1804), a self-taught painter regarded as “the first Cuban painter.”

About the Subject: Bernardo de Gálvez (1746–1786), Spanish military leader, acting governor of Louisiana, and key ally to the American cause.

Note: The presentation is supported by the Iberdrola Collection and is part of the company’s “Unveiling Memories” initiative. The “Out of Many” exhibition is sponsored by Ann S. and Samuel M. Mencoff and the Terra Foundation for American Art.