This is a copy (reduced in format) of a famous Van Dyck portrait of 1622-3 (Pitti Palace, Florence). It has been attributed to Reynolds, who could have studied the portrait during his Italian trip (he was in Florence in May to July 1752), but there is no evidence that he did a copy. The sitter wears Cardinal's robes; beyond, to the right, are two columns and a document lies on a table to his left. The original portrait is a perfect example of an artist deliberately suggesting an aquiline physiognomy, the point underscored by the eagles carved on the throne.