Goya (Spanish, Fuendetodos 1746–1828 Bordeaux) – José Costa y Bonells (died l870), Called Pepito Metropolitan Museum: part 4

Here we observe a portrait of a young boy, rendered in a style characteristic of late eighteenth and early nineteenth-century Spanish art. The subject stands centrally within the composition, facing directly toward the viewer with a gaze that is both direct and somewhat detached. He is dressed in elaborate attire: a green velvet jacket over white breeches and yellow slippers. This clothing suggests a position of privilege and affluence, indicative of his familys social standing.
The boy’s posture conveys an air of youthful confidence, yet there is also a certain solemnity to his expression that prevents the image from being purely celebratory. He holds a toy horse by its reins, positioned close to him on the left side of the canvas. The presence of this toy introduces elements of playfulness and childhood innocence into the scene, contrasting with the formality of his dress and pose. A drum and what appears to be a tricorn hat lie discarded near his feet, further reinforcing the notion of a moment captured mid-activity.
The artist’s use of light is noteworthy. The boys face and clothing are illuminated by a soft, diffused light source, which highlights the textures of the velvet and the crispness of the white fabric. This contrasts with the darker background, which recedes into shadow, creating depth and focusing attention on the figure. The muted color palette – dominated by greens, whites, yellows, and browns – contributes to the overall sense of restraint and dignity.
Subtly, the painting hints at themes beyond a simple depiction of childhood. The boy’s direct gaze suggests an awareness of his own status and perhaps even a nascent understanding of the responsibilities that come with it. The discarded toys could be interpreted as symbols of fleeting youth or a transition towards adulthood. The overall impression is one of carefully constructed portraiture, designed to convey not only physical likeness but also social identity and character. It’s a study in controlled presentation, where childhood innocence is tempered by the weight of expectation and societal position.