Francisco Goya

Biography

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (1746–1828) was a Spanish painter and printmaker, widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born on March 30, 1746, in Fuendetodos, Spain, Goya trained in Zaragoza and later in Madrid, developing a versatile style that combined portraiture, historical painting, and social critique.

Goya’s career encompassed a wide range of subjects, from royal portraits, such as those of King Charles IV, to the haunting and provocative The Third of May 1808 (1814), depicting the horrors of war. He also created the series Los Caprichos, a collection of satirical etchings exposing human folly, corruption, and societal injustices. His later works, including the Black Paintings, reveal a darker, introspective vision, reflecting his struggles with illness, political turmoil, and personal disillusionment.

Renowned for his technical mastery, psychological insight, and innovative use of light and composition, Goya influenced generations of artists, including the Romantic and modern movements. He died on April 16, 1828, in Bordeaux, France, leaving a profound legacy as both a master painter and a social commentator.