Goya: A Portrait of the Artist

Francisco Goya y Lucientes, a renowned Spanish painter and printmaker, is the subject of Janis Tomlinson's biography, Goya: A Portrait of the Artist. It delves into his life, encompassing his political involvement, societal changes, war, and artistic achievements. Tomlinson challenges the notion of Goya as an isolated figure and highlights his likeability, ambition, and contributions to court. The book explores Goya's imagery, from royal portraits to war atrocities, and reconsiders his late years as a period of liberated artistic invention. It is a monumental achievement that continues to inspire and captivate audiences two centuries later.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Francisco Goya y Lucientes, a pivotal figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Romantic era, is the subject of the first comprehensive English-language biography. Spanning the years 1746 to 1828, Goya's life coincided with a period of immense transformation in Spanish history. This era witnessed political upheaval, changes at the court where he served, societal shifts, the devastating consequences of the war against Napoleon, and a subsequent period of political instability. In her captivating biography, Janis Tomlinson delves into a vast array of documents, including letters, court papers, and a sketchbook used by Goya in his early career, to present a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of the artist.

Tomlinson challenges the prevailing notion of Goya as an isolated figure consumed by darkness and death, revealing how his affability and ambition played a significant role in his success at court. She offers fresh insights into Goya's youth, affluent family life, extensive travels, and enduring friendships. The book explores the full spectrum of Goya's imagery, encompassing scenes inspired by life in Madrid, visionary portrayals of worlds without reason, royal portraits, and the horrors of war. It sheds light on the artist's personal struggles, including the loss of six children and the onset of deafness in middle age, while also reconsidering the conventional interpretation of Goya's late years as a period of disillusionment. Instead, Tomlinson presents them as years of liberated artistic invention, particularly evident in the renowned murals adorning the walls of his country house, known as the "black paintings."

Goya: A Portrait of the Artist stands as a monumental achievement, providing the definitive account of an artist whose unwavering belief in his art and his genius shaped his remarkable career. Through meticulous research and a deep understanding of the subject, Tomlinson has crafted a captivating narrative that sheds new light on the life and work of Francisco Goya, leaving a lasting impact on art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 134 x 204 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691234120