Francisco Goya (1746–1828) was a renowned Spanish painter and printmaker, considered one of the most important artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is often regarded as the last of the Old Masters and the first of the moderns. Goya’s works span a variety of styles and subjects, from portraits of Spanish royalty and nobility to depictions of everyday life, historical events, and social commentary.
Goya’s career unfolded during a tumultuous period in Spanish history, marked by political upheaval, war, and social change. His art reflects the shifting political landscape and his own personal experiences. He was a court painter to the Spanish crown for many years, producing portraits of monarchs such as Charles IV and Ferdinand VII. However, he also created powerful works that criticized the corruption, violence, and oppression of his time, such as his series of etchings titled “Los Caprichos” and his haunting paintings “The Third of May 1808” and “Saturn Devouring His Son.”
Goya’s later years were marked by illness and isolation, during which he produced some of his most introspective and haunting works. His art had a significant influence on later generations of artists, and he is often cited as a precursor to modern art movements such as Impressionism and Expressionism.
