Celebrated Spanish artist,

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (1746–1828)

lauded as one of the last of the “old masters”-

is the subject of an upcoming exhibition at the

National Gallery, London.

 

Goya was a painter of immense talent-

provocative, emotive, controversial, influential.

His career spanned decades

his work encompassed varying genres

and his talent acquainted him with leading individuals of the time.

 

Appointed court painter to Spanish monarchs

King Charles III and King Charles IV;

he was later commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte after his brutal overthrow

of the Spanish monarchy.

 

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Goya produced exquisite paintings

of court / important personages;

of the artrocities / aftermath of war and conflict;

of images of everyday life and ordinary circumstances

and the eerie / unsettling “black paintings” of his later years,

 

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The Second of May, 1808

(1814)

Depicts the uprising of the citizens of Madrid against their French occupiers

(image from theguardian.com)

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The Third of May 1808

(1814)

The execution of Madrileños (natives of Madrid) by firing squad

of Napolean’s army

(image from dukemagazine-duke.edu)

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Picnic on the Banks of the Manzanares

(image from npr.org)

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Saturn Devouring his Son

(1819 – 1823)

One of the fourteen “black paintings” of Goya’s last years

first painted on the walls of his home, transfered to canvas after his death

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Highlighted for the new show at the National Gallery

are his portraits, chronicling from his earliest commissions onward;

serveral of which will be on display for the first time in London.

Goya’s talent as a portraitist is undenied.

He is expert at capturing expression, posturing

which offers a glimpse into the character / personality

of the sitter.

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Don Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zuniga

(image from scanopia.com)

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Family of King Charles IV of Spain

(1800 / 1801)

(image from all art)

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Maria Luisa de Parma

Queen consort of Charles IV of Spain

(1789)

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Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

(1812 – 1814)

Painted during Wellington’s service during the Peninsular Wars against Napolean

(image from museumsyndicate.com)

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The actress Dona Antonia Zarate

(1805 – 1806)

(image from franciscogoya.com)

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Prince Von Václav Kaunits-Ritberga

(1815 – 1817)

(image from artinvestment.ru)

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Mariana Waldstein, Ninth Marquesa de Santa Cruz

(1792)

(image from ibiblio.org)

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Goya,  The Portraits

The National Gallery, London

7 October 2015 – 10 January 2016

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For further details, visit

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/goya-portraits

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