Francisco Goya: Artistic Evolution and Masterpieces

Bordeaux, where life continues painting. His work reflects the last moments of the Baroque, Rococo, and the artistic appearance of Neoclassicism.

Evolution of Goya's Work

1) 1762–1775: Early Years and Italian Influence

He arrives in Madrid, makes contact with the academics Bayeu and Mengs, and their influence shapes his work. He travels to Italy. Fresco: The Glory of God.

2) 1775–1792: Return to Madrid and Tapestry Work

He returns to Madrid and begins working at the Royal Tapestry Factory under Mengs' orders. The environment fosters a technical refinement, resulting in pleasant, fresh, and smiling depictions of popular life. Notable works include:

• The Blind Man's Buff
• The Meadow of San Isidro

He takes on religious themes and paints the Dome and Pendentives of El Pilar in Zaragoza, as well as portraits such as Portrait of Count Floridablanca and The Duke and Duchess of Osuna.

3) 1792–1808: Deafness and the Caprichos

Starting with the illness that causes his deafness, his drawing style becomes more extravagant. This period includes:

• Los Caprichos (e.g., Capricho 1: Goya, Capricho 39: Against His Grandfather, Capricho 40: What the Old Man Ate, C. 43: The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters).

He continues painting portraits of kings and aristocrats, executing:

• La maja vestida
• La maja desnuda
• La Comtesse d'Artois (La Comtesse d Chinchón)
• The Family of Charles IV

4) 1808–1828: War, History, and the Black Paintings

The historical events in Spain profoundly marked Goya's painting, showing the anti-war disaster inflicted upon the people by Joseph I. He created two monumental canvases depicting the start of the War of Independence:

• The Charge of the Mamelukes
• The Executions of the Third of May 1808 in Madrid (The Three of May)

Simplicity in technique, based on light and dark contrasts, formal conception, and pathos in expression become paramount. His later expressionism is evident in the Black Paintings. In his final season in France, he painted The Milkmaid of Bordeaux, an advance toward Impressionism, and the terrifying Saturn Devouring His Children.

5) Goya, Engraver and Illustrator

References so far relate primarily to his oil paintings. He also created significant print series:

1. The Caprichos: Modeled on his own ideas, printed for popular consumption and commentary on society.
2. The Disasters of War: With socio-political intent.
3. La Tauromaquia (The Bullfight): To illustrate a book on bullfighting.
4. The Disparates: Representing an illogical and difficult-to-interpret dream world.