2 of 11   Death portrait of Master Mariano Francisco de Cardona, c. 1768. Artist unknown, Mexico. Oil on canvas: 31" x 39" framed. Museum purchase: Funds provided by the Robert J. Kleberg and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation.
	DEATH PORTRAIT OF MASTER MARIANO FRANCISCO de CARDONA efore the advent of photography, upper class families often called upon artists to paint portraits of the deceased. Death portraits of children were particularly prized and became increasingly popular well into the 19th century. In this touching portrait, the subject is adorned with flowers, traditional symbols of rebirth and victory over death. The artist has tried to convey the tender beauty of the child while also displaying in full the opulent dress linens. In order to do so, liberties have been taken with perspective, creating a somewhat otherworldly mood.