Francisco Goya is widely recognized as one of the most important Spanish painters and printmakers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Here is a detailed overview:
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was born on March 30, 1746, in Fuendetodos, a small village in the province of Zaragoza, Spain. His family moved to Zaragoza when he was young, where he studied painting from age 14 under the tutelage of José Luzán Martínez and later at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid.
Goya's early career was marked by his work in Zaragoza, where he painted frescoes in churches and created designs for tapestries for the Royal Tapestry Factory. His talent was recognized by the Spanish court, leading to his appointment as a painter to the Spanish Royal Family in 1786. His portraits of the royal family members, especially the famous "The Family of Charles IV," demonstrate his skill in capturing the personalities of his subjects.
Goya's style evolved significantly over his life:
Goya's work has had a lasting impact on art:
Goya died in exile in Bordeaux, France, on April 16, 1828. His remains were later returned to Madrid in 1901. Today, his works are celebrated in major museums around the world, with the Prado Museum in Madrid holding the most extensive collection.