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francisco goya biography
(1746-1828)
When attempting a francisco goya biography, it's always best to remember the history of the period he lived in.They were very turbulent and troubled times for Europe, including the Peninsular War - when French forces invaded Spain - and the French Revolution, resulting in great changes. Francisco Goya was a bit of an enigma, but he succeeded in being a painter both for the Court and for the People. An artist ahead of his time, he created unconventional works full of personality, showing a critical fascination with violence and aversion to brutality. Romanticism, Impressionism, Expressionism and Surrealism were all later greatly influenced by his work. I hope the following facts about francisco de goya will whet your appetite to learn more about his works - many of which can be seen in the Prado Museum, Madrid.
francisco goya biography - early years1746 - Born 30 March to José Goya (guilder) and Gracia Lucientes in Fuendetodos, near Zaragoza. Full name Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes.1760 - Aged 14, enters into apprenticeship with painter José Luzán.1763&1766 - Applies twice to study at Spanish Royal Academy, Madrid and is twice rejected. During these early years, he is trained in Baroque and Rococco styles - evident in his early works.1771 - Visits Rome. Wins 2nd prize in the City of Parma painting competition, and is influenced by Classicism and Neo-Classicims. Returns to Zaragoza, where he carries out interesting religious works/frescoes. Now studies under Francisco Bayeu.1773 - Marries Bayeu's sister - Josefa.
francisco goya biography - middle years1774 - As a result of his marriage, Francisco Goya gains access to the Royal Spanish Court. Starts with Royal Tapestry Workshop, designing around 42 patterns over a period of 5 years. Is appointed member of Academy of San Fernando.1780 - Enters Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Francisco.1783 - Back in Madrid, Count of Floridablanca - favourite of King Carlos III - commissions him to paint his portrait. Goya's circle of royal and titled patrons grows.1788 - King Carlos III dies, to be replaced by Carlos IV until 1808. Under Carlos IV, goya reaches the peak of his popularity with Royalty. He uses a variety of styles during this period - Rococco often predominating - and is much influenced by Velazquez with his portraits.1792 - Goya becomes deaf (lead in pigments?), resulting in 5 years withdrawal and instrospection. Illness, and shifts in socio-political climate, mature his work.1793-1794 - Paints 11 small pictures on tin called the pictures of "Fantasy and Invention".1797-1800 - Paints and scandalises Spanish society with his best-known painting - "La Maja Desnuda" (The Nude Maja). Also paints "La Maja Vestida" (The Clothed Maja).1799 - "Los Caprichos" are published - a set of 80 aquatint prints, demonstrating his sharp, satirical wit in a criticism of Spanish society. Recognised as precursor to the Modernist Movement almost a century later. Is appointed Spanish Royal Painter. Paints King and Queen, plus other members of royalty and nobility.1810s - Paints a set of aquatint prints "Los Desastres de la Guerra" (The Disasters of War), depicting scenes from the Peninsular War.1812 - Goya's wife dies.1813 - King Ferdinand VII now on the throne of Spain. Relations between him and goya are not good.
francisco goya biography - later years1814 - Goya lives with his cousin - Rosario Weiss - and her daughter - Doña Leocadia - with whom he's in love.1819 - After another serious illness, Goya buys a house and lives near Manzanares, on the outskirts of Madrid. His works here epitomize the powerful, dark world of his subconcious and are precursors to Expressionism and Surrealism. Examples include a series of 14 paintings called the "Black Paintings".1824 - Leaves Spain for Bordeaux and Paris, settling in Bordeaux. Paints new portraits, plus works on the subject of bullfighting. "The Milkmaid of Bordeaux" is his final painting.1826 - Briefly returns to Spain.1828 - Dies in Bordeaux on 16 April.
francisco goya biography - related pages
Overview of Spanish Art
Biography of Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso Blue Period
Biography of Diego Velazquez
Biography of El Greco
Biography of Salvador Dalí
Biography of Joan Miro
Famous Spanish People
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