Archbishop Antonio Caballero y Góngora, Viceroy from 1782 to 1788

After facing the Revolt of the Communards in 1781 —arose due to the discontent of the people against the measures of the Crown— the archbishop reached agreements with the leaders of the movement, but these were never fulfilled. 

For this reason, he was appointed Viceroy of New Granada, holding both positions for six years. In this portrait, various iconographic elements show how religious and political power merge in the character of the archbishop-viceroy. 

The religious power of Caballero y Góngora is reflected in the first place in the episcopal vestment he wears, composed in this case of a green cassock and cape with red details, a white roquet and, on his head, a black skullcap. 

On a wooden table located next to the sitter, there are three miters that represent the work carried out by Caballero y Góngora as bishop and archbishop, since throughout his life, he held those positions in Yucatán, Santafé and Granada. 

On the other hand, the political power that Caballero and Góngora had in New Granada is represented by the baton. With a golden handle, it is attached to his right wrist by a black cord. 

From viceroy’s neck hangs a gold medal with the image of the Immaculate Conception in the middle, symbol of the Order of Charles III with which Caballero y Góngora was decorated in the year he was named viceroy. This element reaffirm his support for the Spanish Crown. 

The cartouche located at the bottom of the image provides some information about the life of the character and the positions he held in New Granada.