This solemn portrait of Miguel I, King of Portugal demonstrates the neo-classical style and directness with which little known Spanish artist Carlos Blanco portrayed the elite of Spanish and Portuguese society.

Miguel I, King of Portugal (1802–1866) was the seventh child and third son of King João VI (John VI) and his queen, Carlota Joaquina of Spain. He ruled Portugal first as regent on behalf of his niece, before seizing the throne in a blood uprising. Known as Miguel 'o Absolutista' (the Absolutist), his rule was marked by tyrannical governance and clashes between his supporters and the liberal opposition, ultimately leading to the Liberal Wars. After three years of bloody civil war, Miguel I was forced to abdicate in 1834 and spent the last thirty two years of his life in exile.

Little is known of Spanish artist Carlos Blanco (1780-1846). Nicknamed 'El Sereno', in his youth he worked as a 'sereno' and would patrol the city streets carrying the keys to local houses which he would unlock for residents arriving home late. Influenced by Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), Blanco's paintings are characterised by a fluidity of paintwork and a neo-classical gravitas and directness in the portrayal of his sitters, drawn from the Spanish and Portuguese elite. He is known to have presented his work at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in 1805 and 1808 and in 1838, painted a Saint Benedict and Saint Dominic for the Cathedral of Cádiz. He painted a number of portraits of King Fernando VII of Spain, one of which is held at the Ministerio de Hacienda.

This portrait shows Miguel I in head and shoulders. He wears a heavily-brocaded uniform with several decorations including the collar of the Golden Fleece, and the ribbon of five combined Orders, including the Orders of Christ and that of St Benedict of Avis. The portrait was previously attributed to John Simpson (1782-1847).