Artwork of the Week: November 17
A wealthy man sits alone in what appears to be a large, empty room. Eyes averted, he will not meet our gaze. The subject’s three-quarter profile face and posture of confidence mimics that of the man in the portrait hung behind him. The seated man’s clothing, a green linen suit, reflects the same level of elegance as the subject in his portrait. The title of this painting, Philanthropist (Filántropo), refers to the man sitting on the sofa; however, the portrait of a man from the early modern era is just as important to the painting.
While these two men share many similar qualities, there are also significant differences between them. The man in the portrait is standing with his shoulders, arms, and even feet turned out and open to the viewer. His welcoming nature is reaffirmed by the warm red, orange, and yellow pigments that cover the entirety of the portrait’s canvas. Below this portrait sits the main figure, whose crossed arms and legs close him off from the viewer—an impression amplified by the cold color palette used to paint his clothing, skin, and surroundings. Furthermore, abstracted, white highlights dapple the philanthropist’s suit and face, making him appear more like a statue than a man, as if he himself is an object in his own collection.
Miguel Trelles’ Puerto Rican upbringing had a profound impact on his artistic style. This Latin-American influence is evident in this work as he paints with thick, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant, lively colors, paying homage to his culture. After moving to New York City, where he still lives today, he began to focus his brush on the city’s art scene. Pulling inspiration from the city, he paints bright, swiveling highlights onto the couch, which may be reminiscent of the numerous neon signs that glow against Broadway’s indigo night sky. These lines, along with the languorously curved, dark strokes on the man’s suit, reveal another one of Trelles’ artistic influences—traditional Chinese painting, which uses ink and a brush-twisting technique to achieve a similar effect.
Come and see this work, along with the collections of real-life philanthropist Luis A. Ferré, in our exhibition The Sense of Beauty through January 3rd, 2026.
