López Portaña, Vicente – El pintor Francisco de Goya Part 2 Prado Museum
Part 2 Prado Museum – López Portaña, Vicente -- El pintor Francisco de Goya
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In the eighteenth century the situation of Spanish painting was not easy. The dominance of foreigners infiltrated the art of Spain and its painting. The authorities, paying homage to fashion and political ambition, promoted foreign painters to leading positions and gave them clear preference. They were given the most prestigious awards, critics wrote praises about them, and the most expensive commissions were given to them. It was believed that Spanish painters have exhausted themselves.
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Description of the painting "Self-Portrait" by Francisco de Goya
In the eighteenth century the situation of Spanish painting was not easy. The dominance of foreigners infiltrated the art of Spain and its painting.
The authorities, paying homage to fashion and political ambition, promoted foreign painters to leading positions and gave them clear preference. They were given the most prestigious awards, critics wrote praises about them, and the most expensive commissions were given to them.
It was believed that Spanish painters have exhausted themselves. But the artist, who has not absorbed the native habits, customs, traditions, his vision, doomed to failure. At the time it turned out differently.
The worship of foreign trends did not allow to bring to the forefront their own, native masters of painting. However, Goya was still able to bring back the former glory of all national art. His paintings simply could not help but be admired.
This was especially true of portraits. The painter was no mere performer of a particular work. His immense talent was powerfully supported by the mental qualities of the artist himself.
Goya did not just realistically convey the appearance of the model, he proceeded, above all, from the feelings he had for the person he was portraying. Therefore, Goya did not treat each of his portraits impartially.
To convey the individuality of each work, the artist used different techniques, methods and even changed technique. It is known that there are paintings that Goya painted using brushes, various sponges, textured fabrics.
Paints could be applied with a knife, hand, fingers, even a wooden spoon. Everything that fell into the hands of a brilliant creator worked to create unique masterpieces.
Incredible talent, backed by hard work, made the artist be talked about as a national treasure. Even royal society was forced to recognize and admire the outstanding work of Goya.
The painter found fame and honor, which showered him with society. It is true that he had to go through cruel trials to get there.
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The artist has rendered the man’s features with considerable detail, emphasizing the effects of age – deep lines etched around the eyes and mouth, a receding hairline revealing a pale scalp, and a general slackening of skin tone. The lighting is dramatic, concentrated on his face and upper torso, leaving the background in relative shadow. This contrast serves to highlight the subject’s presence and draws attention to his features.
He holds a paintbrush in one hand and rests a well-used palette upon his lap. The palette itself is covered with dried pigments, hinting at a life dedicated to artistic creation. These objects are not merely props; they function as symbols of his profession and experience.
The man’s attire consists of a dark coat over a lighter waistcoat and shirt, the fabrics rendered with careful attention to texture and drape. The subdued color palette contributes to an overall atmosphere of seriousness and restraint. A small inscription is visible in the lower left corner, partially obscured by shadow, which seems to be a dedication or note related to the subject.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a portrait, subtexts emerge concerning the passage of time, the weight of experience, and the solitary nature of artistic endeavor. The man’s posture and expression suggest not only age but also perhaps a degree of weariness or melancholy. The tools of his trade – brush and palette – become emblems of both accomplishment and the relentless demands of creative work. The darkness enveloping him could be interpreted as symbolic of the challenges and uncertainties inherent in an artistic life, or simply as a means to focus attention on the subject’s inner world.