• Biography

    Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (1746, Fuendetodos, Aragón, Spain – 1828, Bordeaux, France) 

     

    Born in Fuendetodos near Zaragoza, Goya received his artistic education first in Spain and later in Italy. From an early age, he found inspiration in the works of artists such as Diego Velázquez and Rembrandt van Rijn. In 1786, he was appointed court painter to King Charles IV and produced numerous portraits of the Spanish aristocracy. His portraits are distinguished by psychological depth and keen observation of character. 

     

    In 1793, Goya lost his hearing due to a serious illness. This marked a turning point in his life, leading to a withdrawal from courtly circles and a growing critical stance toward social and political conditions. His new, darker visual language is especially evident in graphic series such as Los Caprichos (1793–1799) and “Desastres de la guerra (1810–1820), which unflinchingly depict social injustices, superstition, and the horrors of war. 

     

    His late works, including the so-called “Pinturas negras“ (1820–1823), were created as murals in his private residence and reflect a radical, often disturbing engagement with the darker aspects of human nature. Due to his connections with liberal circles and the political developments in Spain, Goya faced increasing repression. In 1824, he left the country to avoid possible persecution and settled in Bordeaux, where he lived in seclusion until his death on April 16, 1828. 

     

    Goya is regarded as a pioneer of modern art. His work bridges Rococo, Neoclassicism, and Romanticism, and already contains elements of Realism and Expressionism. His artistic legacy influenced generations of artists and marks a turning point in European art history. 

  • Works