11 Goya Paintings You Should Know in 2024
Francisco Goya paintings have captured the interest of art lovers and enthusiasts for years. Goya’s paintings are quite unique, which had made him a prominent figure during the Romanticism movement and has become one of the most famous painters.
Goya often depicted landscapes, still lifes, self-portraits and mythical scenes. Being part of the Romanticism movement, his paintings often portrayed immense emotion, making them captivating to a viewing audience.
Growing up, Francisco Goya’s family was middle class and he was born in Fuendetodos in Aragon, Spain. He was 14 when he began his career as a young apprentice of a famous Nepalese artist.
His wife, Josefa Bayeu, was the sister of the royal court’s greatest artist. Together, they had eight children; however, the Francisco Goya family was wrought with tragedy as seven of their children died at birth or very young, according to the University of Zaragoza.
So, why is Goya so famous? Throughout his career, he worked in the royal tapestry factory and as the deputy director of Madrid’s Academia. He became notable for creating portraits of Spanish nobility and Madrid’s high society members.
Goya’s self-portraits and other famous paintings also brought the artist notoriety. Read on for some of the most famous Goya paintings you should know.
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What Is Francisco Goya Known For?
Francisco Goya is one of the most well-known and important artists of his time. But what is Francisco Goya known for? Goya is a notable artist of the Romanticism movement. The paintings in the early part of his career often depicted light-hearted themes. However, later Goya paintings were often dark and pessimistic.
Where Did Francisco Goya live? Born in Spain, he spent most of his professional career in Madrid, where he painted portraits of the city’s high society, including the royal family. He lived most of his life throughout Spain.
Throughout his long career, Goya painted many famous works, including “Saturn Devouring His Son” and “Charles IV of Spain and His Family.” There are also a few Francisco Goya self-portraits created throughout his life that have become notable works.
As one of history’s most prominent artists, Goya paintings are often sold at auction for millions of dollars. So, how much are Goya paintings worth? The most expensive Goya paintings sold were “Portrait of Doña María Vincenta Barruso Valdés” and “Portrait of her mother Doña Leonara Antonia Valdés de Barruso”, which sold for $16.4 million in 2023.
Significant Goya Paintings
1. The Parasol (1777)
An early work of Goya’s, “The Parasol,” was completed in 1777. Many of Goya's paintings at the beginning of his career were jovial, and this is no different. The painting features a young woman being shaded from the wind by a parasol held by a man standing behind her.
The soft and leisurely image evokes Monet paintings and Impressionist paintings that often depicted similar scenes. This painting was commissioned by King Charles IV for the Royal Palace’s dining room.
2. The Third of May (1814)
Goya lived in Spain and often painted contemporary events. “The Third of May” is one of the most well-known Goya paintings and is thought to be a propaganda painting.
“The Third of May” portrays Spanish insurgents during the Peninsular War being executed by French soldiers. The painting promotes Spanish nationalism.
3. The Mad House (1819)
This Goya painting shows a shift towards darker works. Completed in 1819, “The Mad House” depicts a psychiatric facility that feels tight and only features one window set high in the wall. The people below are cast in shadow and seem to be in distress as they move around the space.
Some even believe the people represent parodies of prominent figures in society. Though Goya painted with oil paints, acrylic is great for beginners. You can use artists like him as inspiration to come up with acrylic painting ideas for beginners.
4. The Nude Maja (1800)
What is the most famous picture of Goya? “The Nude Maja” is one of the most famous and controversial artworks of the Spanish painter. It’s believed to have been painted for a Spanish nobleman, Manuel de Godoy.
The painting portrays a naked woman lounging on a bed, supposedly portraying the bold qualities Spanish women had. The composition and subject are similar to Renaissance paintings, which too often depicted nude women.
5. Witches’ Sabbath (1798)
“Witches’ Sabbath” is an early haunting Goya painting. Completed in 1798, this painting portrays witches celebrating a Sabbath ceremony. Goya creates a frenzied composition with the witches’ figures melting into each other.
The use of darker colors, deep shadows and light cast from the moon creates a mystical and haunting image. Goya painted this haunting and disturbing image when many people were fearful of these subjects.
6. The Clothed Maja (1805)
“The Clothed Maja” is connected to “The Naked Maja.” Completed in 1805, this Goya painting is similar to the other, portraying a lower-class young woman reclining on a sofa; however, she is clothed.
The woman looks directly at the viewer, which is unusual for portraits at the time, but similar to Leonardo da Vinci paintings that depicted portraits of women who also look at the viewer. Both artists portrayed powerful and bold portraits of women.
7. Saturn Devouring His Son (1823)
Another one of his famous paintings, “Saturn Devouring His Son” is part of the Goya Black Paintings. This series featured 14 pieces with dark subjects and a dark color scheme.
“Saturn Devouring His Son” portrays a Roman mythical event in which Saturn, who overthrew his father, consumed his children to prevent them from doing the same. The Black Paintings’ dark subject matter is believed to be a reflection of Goya’s sickness and anxiety later in life.
8. The Colossus (1812)
Another darker Goya painting is “The Colossus,” which features a large, nude male figure in the sky clenching his fist. Below him, a crowd of people and animals seem to be fleeing a town in the distance.
Though Goya often kept his political opinions private, he did depict now-historical events. “The Colossus” was painted during the Peninsular War, which led many to believe the painting was about that event.
9. The Kite (1778)
Another jovial Goya painting is “The Kite.” This painting depicts young people in the countryside flying a kite. The people in the painting are dressed well, implying wealth and affluence.
This painting portrays a leisurely time as people watch the flying kite, relax and speak to each other. This painting puts Goya’s painting techniques using oil on canvas on full display.
10. The Dog (1823)
“The Dog” is one of the famous Goya Black Paintings. Did Goya name the Black Paintings? It’s not believed that he named the paintings or the set. The images were painted on plaster in his home, so it’s believed they weren’t intended to be seen by the public.
A later famous Spanish painter Picasso differed from Goya. Picasso paintings were bright and colorful. However, the Black Paintings were devoid of optimism and often depicted Goya’s solitude later in life.
11. Charles IV of Spain and His Family (1801)
Francisco Goya was the first court painter, the highest position a Spanish artist could achieve. During his tenure as a court painter, Goya created a portrait of King Charles and his family in 1801.
The royal family is portrayed wearing their finest clothing and jewelry to show off their wealth. Goya is also featured in the painting behind the royal family, standing in front of his easel. This is the most well-known Goya painting that depicts Madrid’s high society.
Francisco Goya was one of the most notable artists between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The unique perspectives of Goya paintings and the depictions of now-historical events are often what sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Though he painted many traditional images of the Romanticism movement, the often dark and bleak depictions in some of the most famous Goya paintings have created some of the most notable works in all of art history.
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