Francisco Goya was a Spanish painter and considered the most important Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th century Western world. Goya portrayed paintings, drawings, and engravings reflected contemporary historical turmoils and socio-political changes. Goya is the last master from the old school of Western art, which romantically brings the drama and details of social life.
Born in a middle-class family and starting to paint at 14, Goya became a court painter for the Spanish Crown in 1786. He marked his early career with Spanish aristocratic patronage with enormous portraits. Goya’s life, like his paintings, reveals the moralistic upheavals in the Christian era, the way his painting ‘Naked Maja’ is criticised and crucified in the courtroom of the Spanish crown.
La maja desnuda
La Maja Desnuda, or the Naked Maja, is the most celebrated or notorious painting of Francisco Goya. Goya did this painting around 1797-1800, portraying nude women reclining on a bed.
La maja vestida
After the controversy of Naked Maja, Goya started to paint ‘The Clothed Maja’ and considered this painting to be created during the peak of Romanticism.
The Third of May 1808
The Third of May 1808 depicts Spanish resistance to Napoleon’s forces during the Peninsular War occupation in 1808, and the content, presentation, and emotional strength secure its status as a ground-breaking, archetypal image of the horrors of war. Although it draws on many high and popular art sources, The Third of May 1808 marks a clear break from convention.
Saturn Devouring His Son
In Saturn, Devouring His Son, Goya illustrates the Greek tale of the Titan Cronus (in the title Romanized to Saturn), who, fearful that one of his offspring might overthrow him, ate each of his children upon their birth.
The Second of May 1808
In ‘The Second of May 1808’, Goya depicts people’s rebellions against the French occupation of Spain that sparked the Peninsular War.
Witches’ Sabbath
Witches Sabbath, counted as an oil mural, explores the theme of violence, intimidation, ageing and death. During this time, Goya lived alone and suffered from mental and physical illness, as reflected in this painting.
Portrait of Manuel Godoy
Portrait of Manuel Godoy is a portrait painting of Spanish Prime Minister Manuel Godoy, commemorating his victory in the war of Oranges against Portugal; it is considered a brilliant play of psychological characterisation by the artist.
The Colossus
The Colossus is a painting of a Giant hiding mountains in his legs to his thighs, and clouds envelop his torso; the giant looks to be taking an aggressive stance, with one of his fists raised to shoulder height.
