Self-Portrait by Goya
- Original dimensions
- 46 x 51 cm
- Museum
- Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Saint Ferdinand
- Year
- 1815
Scene depicted
This canvas presents the artist facing himself, an introspective work where Goya seems to unveil his deepest thoughts. With an intense gaze, he confronts us with his internal struggles and his vision of the world, while calling for an emotional resonance that goes beyond mere brush strokes. It is a dialogue between light and shadow, revealing not only his portrait but the soul of a tormented artist.
Historical context
Created in 1815 in the prestigious setting of the Spanish court, this painting is emblematic of neoclassicism and the emerging romanticism , artistic movements that would mark Spain. The canvas , now displayed at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Saint Ferdinand in Madrid, invites contemplation of a vibrant era of creativity. Its dimensions, 46 x 51 cm, make it an intimate work that engages in dialogue with the viewer.
Place in the artist's career
This canvas marks a turning point in Goya's career, who, at this moment, asserts himself as one of the precursors of modern art. Alongside his major works such as “The Third of May 1808” and “The Naked Maja,” this masterpiece testifies to both a psychological and technical evolution, signifying the clash between tradition and his avant-garde aspirations.
Anecdote
“When I press the brush on the canvas, the world around me fades away,” Goya might have said, capturing with this masterpiece the essence of his troubled spirit. Imagine an April morning, slightly misty, where a face he encounters evokes the struggles and triumphs of a life dedicated to art. This fleeting moment, rich in emotion, is forever frozen in the intensity of the painting .