Francisco Goya (1746-1828) was a Spanish painter and printmaker, widely regarded as one of the most important artists in Western art history. He is considered a transitional figure between the Old Masters and modern art, and his works encompassed a wide range of genres and styles.Born on March 30, 1746, in Fuendetodos, Spain, Goya began his artistic career as a painter of portraits and historical scenes. He gained recognition for his technical skill and became a court painter for the Spanish royal family. Goya's early works reflected the influence of the traditional Baroque and Rococo styles. However, as Goya matured as an artist, his style underwent a significant transformation. He developed a more personal and expressive approach, marked by his ability to convey raw emotion and social critique. His later works are characterized by their dark, introspective themes, bold use of brushwork, and innovative techniques. Goya's most famous series of works is Los Caprichos, a collection of etchings published in 1799. This series criticized various aspects of Spanish society, including the church, the aristocracy, and superstitions. Another notable series is The Disasters of War, a collection of prints created during the Peninsular War, depicting the horrors and atrocities of conflict. In 1824, Goya went into self-imposed exile in France due to political changes in Spain. During this period, he created his haunting and enigmatic Black Paintings, which were a series of murals painted directly onto the walls of his home. Francisco Goya's contributions to art had a profound impact on subsequent generations of artists. His works continue to be celebrated for their technical skill, introspective themes, and biting social commentary. Goya died on April 16, 1828, in Bordeaux, France, leaving behind a rich and diverse body of work that continues to captivate audiences today.
Measures 5.5 x 7.49
Printed circa 1970s
Verso is blank.
Mounted to archival quality paper."