Francisco Goya Biography

Francisco Goya (1746-1828) was a seminal Spanish painter and printmaker, whose works have a profound impact on the world of art.

Born in 1746 in Fuendetodos, Spain, Goya demonstrated a talent for art from a young age.  He studied under José Luzán and moved to Madrid to study with Anton Raphael Mengs, where he was influenced by the Rococo style.

Goya's early career was marked by his work as a court painter for King Charles III and later Charles IV of Spain. His portraits from this period, such as 'The Family of Charles IV' (1800), are renowned for their psychological depth and unflinching realism. Goya's ability to capture the personalities and social standing of his subjects distinguished him from his contemporaries.

Despite his success at court, Goya's personal life was fraught with difficulties. He suffered from a severe illness in 1793, which left him deaf. This experience profoundly affected his outlook and artistic style, leading him to explore darker and more introspective themes.

One of Goya's most famous series is 'Los Caprichos' (1799), a collection of 80 etchings that critique the social and political issues of his time.  These works are characterised by their biting satire and surreal imagery, reflecting Goya's disillusionment with society.

Another significant series is 'The Disasters of War' (1810-1820), which depicts the horrors of the Peninsular War with brutal honesty.

In his later years, Goya's work became increasingly expressive and experimental. His 'Black Paintings', created between 1819 and 1823, are a series of enigmatic murals painted directly onto the walls of his house.  These works, such as 'Saturn Devouring His Son' reveal Goya's preoccupation with themes of madness, fear and mortality.

Francisco Goya died on 16th April 1828 in Bordeaux, France.