Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (1746–1828) was a renowned Spanish artist known for his court portraits, war scenes, and dark etchings. He was apprenticed to the Spanish royal family and later moved towards darker etchings and drawings, inspired by the Spanish struggle for independence. His work, "The Disasters of War," was inspired by atrocities committed during the Spanish struggle and penetrated the heart of human cruelty and sadism. This introductory book from TASCHEN Basic Art 2.0 explores Goya's remarkable career, from elegant court painter to deathly seer of suffering and grotesquerie.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 96 pages
\n Publication date: 08 September 2020
\n Publisher: Taschen GmbH
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Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, a renowned Spanish artist who lived from 1746 to 1828, left an indelible mark on the world of art. His diverse range of creations, from court portraits of the Spanish royals to haunting scenes of conflict and suffering, has made him one of Spain's most revered and controversial artists. Goya's mastery of form and light is evident in his works, and his influence can be seen in the works of artists across different eras and genres.

Born in Fuendetodos, Spain, in 1746, Goya began his artistic journey by apprenticing to the Spanish royal family in 1774. During this time, he produced etchings and tapestry cartoons for grand palaces and royal residences across the country. He was also patronized by the aristocracy, commissioning portraits of the rich and powerful with his increasingly fluid and expressive style.

However, Goya's artistic journey took a dark turn after a bout of illness. He moved towards darker etchings and drawings, introducing a nightmarish realm of witches, ghosts, and fantastical creatures. It was his horrific depictions of conflict that truly made an impact on the world. Executed between 1810 and 1820, "The Disasters of War" was inspired by the atrocities committed during the Spanish struggle for independence from the French. This series of paintings penetrated the very heart of human cruelty and sadism, with its bleak tones, agitated brushstrokes, and aggressive use of Baroque-like light and dark contrasts.

Goya's subject matter was unprecedented in its brutality and honesty. His paintings depicted the suffering of soldiers, civilians, and prisoners of war, often in grotesque and unsettling ways. The 3rd of May 1808 in Madrid, one of his most famous works, is a heart-stopping image of a dying soldier on the battlefield.

In this introductory book from TASCHEN Basic Art 2.0, we set out to explore the full arc of Goya's remarkable career. From his early days as a court painter to his later years as a deathly seer of suffering and grotesquerie, Goya's art reflects his evolving artistic vision. We encounter such famed portraits as Don Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zúñiga, the dazzling Naked Maja, and The 3rd of May 1808 in Madrid, which showcase Goya's ability to capture the essence of his subjects.

Through his art, Goya challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable. He depicted the horrors of war, the suffering of the poor, and the injustices of the world with a raw and unflinching honesty that resonated with audiences of his time and continues to do so today. Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes remains a towering figure in the world of art, and his legacy continues to inspire and fascinate artists around the world.

\n Weight: 560g\n
Dimension: 263 x 218 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783836532686\n \n