The Forum Goya: Seeking truth through art
Jan 17, 2019
Explore the life and art of Francisco Goya, the radical Spanish artist who depicted human suffering and societal issues. Learn about his evolution from royal commissions to bold critiques of the church and ruling classes. Delve into Goya's famous series of etchings, 'Los Capricos,' and his role as a war reporter during the Napoleonic era. Discover Goya's lasting legacy, influence on artists like Picasso, and timeless appeal to contemporary society.
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Portraits That Reveal Hidden Truths
- Goya used portraiture to reveal the inner truth of his sitters rather than flatter them with polish.
- He aimed to unblind viewers and make society see itself in its real state.
From Narrative To Focused Faces
- Goya began with busy, narrative portraits like the Prime Minister's then gradually simplified to focus on faces and spirit.
- Xavier Bray attributes this shift to Goya's empathy and growing confidence in capturing character.
Illness Triggered Creative Experimentation
- Goya's severe illness and resulting deafness coincided with a major artistic shift toward more experimental, private work.
- Janis Tomlinson and Xavier Bray note the disability freed him to explore fantasy and more personal themes.