Portrait of Joaquina Candado Ricarte
- Original dimensions
- 118.3 x 169 cm
- Museum
- Fine Arts Museum of Valencia
- Year
- 1802
Scene depicted
This canvas captures the essence of Joaquina Candado Ricarte, revealing a woman who is both strong and delicate. The work shows her face of rare beauty, serious and imbued with mystery, while reflecting a background of depth and richness. Joaquina's intense gaze immediately draws attention, inviting the viewer to discover the stories hidden behind her smile.
Historical context
Created in 1802 in the heart of Spain, this painting is part of the artistic movement of neoclassicism and yet, it already bears the marks of the emerging romanticism . In Valencia, the canvas has become a centerpiece of the Fine Arts Museum, evoking a time when emotion began to assert itself in art, paying tribute to the beauty of the living.
Place in the artist's career
“Portrait de Joaquina Candado Ricarte” marks a turning point in Goya's career, highlighting his ability to combine realism and romantic sensitivity. Compared to previous canvases such as “Las Meninas” and the “Portrait of Carlos IV,” this work reveals a transition towards a more intimate and personal exploration of the subject.
Anecdote
“Light is not just a color, it is an emotion,” said Goya. Inspired by a summer morning in Valencia, where the light bathed the scene in a vibrant softness, he crossed the intense gaze of Joaquina Candado Ricarte. This fleeting moment, imbued with brightness and emotion, was the spark that gave birth to this masterpiece .