Francisco Goya: Life, Art, and Legacy
Francisco Goya: A Life in Art
Early Life and Education
Francisco Goya was born in Fuendetodos, Aragón, Spain, in 1746. His parents were José Benito de Goya y Franque and Gracia de Lucientes y Salvador. Goya spent his childhood in Fuendetodos, in a house bearing his mother’s family crest. His father worked as a gilder. Around 1749, the family purchased a house in Zaragoza and moved there a few years later.
Goya attended Escuelas Pias, where he became close friends with Martin Zapater. Their correspondence over the years provides valuable biographical information. At 14, Goya began an apprenticeship with painter José Luzán. He later moved to Madrid to study with Anton Raphael Mengs, a popular painter among Spanish royalty. However, Goya clashed with Mengs, and his examinations were unsatisfactory.
Goya applied to the Royal Academy of Fine Art in 1763 and 1766 but was rejected. He then traveled to Rome, where he won second prize in a painting competition in 1771. Later that year, he returned to Zaragoza. There, he painted part of the Basilica of the Pillar’s cupola, frescoes in the Aula Dei cloisters, and frescoes at the Sobradiel Palace. He studied with Francisco Bayeu y Subías, and his painting began to develop the delicate tonalities for which he became known.
Maturity and Success
Goya married Bayeu’s sister, Josefa (nicknamed “Pepa”), on July 25, 1773. His marriage and Bayeu’s membership in the Royal Academy of Fine Art helped Goya secure work with the Royal Tapestry Workshop. Over five years, he designed 42 patterns, many used to decorate the walls of El Escorial and Palacio Real del Pardo. This work brought him to the attention of the Spanish monarchs.
Goya also painted a canvas for the Church of San Francisco El Grande, leading to his appointment to the Royal Academy of Fine Art. In 1783, the Count of Floridablanca commissioned Goya to paint his portrait. Goya also befriended Crown Prince Don Luis and lived in his house. His patrons grew to include the Duke and Duchess of Osuna, the King, and other nobles.
After Charles III’s death in 1788 and the French Revolution in 1789, Goya’s popularity with royalty peaked during Charles IV’s reign.
Painter of Royalty
In 1786, Goya became painter to Charles III, and in 1789, court painter to Charles IV. In 1799, he was appointed First Court Painter. He worked on the Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida’s cupola, painted the King, Queen, royal family, the Prince of the Peace, and many nobles. His portraits are known for their unflattering nature.
Goya received commissions from many nobles, including the Duke and Duchess of Osuna, the Duchess of Alba and her husband, and the Marchioness of Pontejos.
Caprichos
In 1792, Goya contracted cholera and a high fever, which left him deaf. He became withdrawn and introspective. During his five-year recovery, he studied the French Revolution. The resulting series of etchings, Caprichos, was published in 1799. These dark visions are partly explained by his caption, “The sleep of reason produces monsters.” However, they also showcase his satirical wit, as seen in etchings like Hunting for Teeth. A macabre thread runs through Goya’s work, even in his earlier tapestry cartoons.