Bernardo de Gálvez by José Nicolás de Escalera

A rare eighteenth-century portrait of Spanish military leader Bernardo de Gálvez (1746–1786) by Cuban painter José Nicolás de Escalera will make its U.S. premiere at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, on view as part of the museum’s ongoing exhibition “Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900.” The 1781 oil painting arrived in Washington, D.C., as a long-term loan from the Iberdrola Collection, part of the company’s “Unveiling Memories” project, which aims to recover and promote the contributions of Spain and Hispanic people to the independence of the United States. The loan coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary. Escalera (1734–1804), a self-taught artist considered “the first Cuban painter,” created the portrait from life during Gálvez’s stay in Havana. It reflects Gálvez’s integral role in the American Revolution: after being made acting governor of Louisiana, he controlled the port of New Orleans, funneled aid to the Continental Army, and led victorious attacks on British forts at Baton Rouge, Natchez, Mobile, and Pensacola. The painting later served as the basis for other portraits of Gálvez, including one that once hung in the U.S. Capitol.

When: Ongoing, beginning July 2.
Venue: National Portrait Gallery, First Floor, East Galleries.
Exhibition: “Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900.”
Curator: Taína Caragol, senior curator of painting and sculpture.
Loan Source: Iberdrola Collection, as part of the “Unveiling Memories” project.
Tickets: Price not available; admission to the National Portrait Gallery is free, but no specific ticketing information is provided for this portrait.
Ages: Not specified; the gallery is open to all.
Note: The presentation of the portrait is supported by the Iberdrola Collection. The “Out of Many” exhibition is sponsored by Ann S. and Samuel M. Mencoff and the Terra Foundation for American Art.