Goya’s Royal Portrait: A Deep Dive into “The Family of Charles IV”
The Family of Charles IV
1. General Documentation
Artist: Francisco de Goya
Chronology: 1800-1801
Dimensions: 3 x 4 m
Location: Museo del Prado
Style: Goya transitioned through various styles throughout his career. This work exhibits neoclassical influences and belongs to his second artistic period.
Technique: Oil on canvas
Theme: Collective portrait of the Spanish royal family
2. Formal Analysis
A. Technique and Materials
Oil on Canvas: Goya employed both diluted and impasto oil techniques, sometimes layering thick paint over gold and silver leaf on the clothing, allowing for a glazing effect.
To minimize disruption to the royal family, Goya created quick drafts of the figures on the canvas before adding the clothing.
B. Brushstroke
Loose brushwork is evident throughout the painting.
C. Color
The color palette is influenced by the depiction of light, with abundant gold and silver tones. Goya masterfully captures the interplay of light and shadow.
Queen Maria Luisa appears to be the most illuminated figure, followed by the other female figures and children. The male figures are dressed in darker hues, with the exception of the child and the king, who both wear red.
Goya’s sister, a minor character in the painting, is depicted in dark tones.
D. Composition
The composition features two distinct planes:
- Foreground: Figures are presented full-length, arranged vertically in a frieze-like manner. Charles IV and Ferdinand VII stand out with one foot placed forward.
- Background: An intimate palace interior is visible, featuring a self-portrait of Goya and royal paintings.
Three compositional similarities with Velázquez’s Las Meninas are notable:
- Figures in the foreground
- A close-up interior view of the palace
- The artist engaging the viewer with their gaze
This work aims to connect the interior and exterior spaces.
E. Stylistic Analysis
Goya’s style is influenced by Velázquez. Similar to neoclassical portraiture, the figures are arranged in a frieze, reminiscent of classical relief sculptures, such as the Ara Pacis or the Parthenon frieze.
However, this work distinguishes itself from traditional neoclassical style through its emphasis on painterly qualities rather than strict linearity. The contours of the figures are less defined.
Goya’s stylistic evolution in this work can be characterized by:
- Predominance of color
- Increasingly pictorial impasto
- A tendency towards expressionism in later works
1. Interpretation, Meaning, and Function
Theme: Collective portrait of the royal family of Charles IV. The main figures are Maria Luisa, Charles IV, Ferdinand VII, and the Count of Chinchón. Secondary figures include the king’s siblings, aunt, and children.
Two main interpretations of this painting exist:
- Criticism of Charles IV’s Authority: This interpretation suggests that Maria Luisa’s central position reflects her control over the crown.
- Traditional Family Portrait: This interpretation argues that the painting is a conventional family portrait, with Maria Luisa in the center as the matriarch. The interactions between figures, such as the mother embracing her daughter, support this view.
The Family of Charles IV synthesizes different portraiture styles.
Concluding Assessment
Categorizing Goya’s artistic style is challenging due to his unique and evolving approach.
Biolostoki considers Goya’s art contemporary. Understanding his work requires considering both tradition and the artist’s symbolic universe.
Ferrari La Fuente suggests that Goya’s work influenced European art.
Goya was admired by avant-garde artists like Delacroix and Cézanne in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly by movements such as:
- Optical Art: His work represents a state of mind.
- Surrealism: Dalí was influenced by Goya’s dreamlike imagery.
Goya’s work combines two trends:
- Academic: Portraits of aristocrats, such as The Family of Charles IV
- Free and experimental: Exploring diverse themes and techniques
Neoclassical and 19th-century art tended to be exhibited in official academic settings. Goya’s art, however, represents a break from this tradition, embracing innovation and originality.