Francisco Goya

Date of Birth: March 30, 1746

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: April 16, 1828

Biography

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, widely known as Francisco Goya, was a prominent Spanish painter and printmaker. Born on March 30, 1746, in Fuendetodos, Aragon, Spain, Goya is considered one of the most important figures in Western art history. His works include a wide range of genres, from portraits and historical paintings to scenes of war and grotesque imagery. Goya’s career began in the Spanish court, where he served as a court painter to King Charles IV. Over time, his style evolved from Rococo to a more expressive form of Romanticism, characterized by bold colors and dramatic compositions. Goya’s later years were marked by personal turmoil and political strife. He survived a severe illness in 1793, which left him deaf and profoundly influenced his work. His “Black Paintings,” created in the later years of his life, reveal his deep cynicism and despair. Goya’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, impacting various art movements including Impressionism and Modernism. He passed away on April 16, 1828, in Bordeaux, France, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire.

5 Interesting Facts about Francisco Goya

1. Francisco Goya was appointed as the official court painter to King Charles IV of Spain in 1786.

2. He is often referred to as “the last of the Old Masters and the first of the moderns” due to his significant influence on subsequent art movements.

3. Goya created a series of 80 prints known as “Los Caprichos,” which criticized the corruption and foolishness of Spanish society.

4. He experienced a severe illness in 1793 that left him deaf, profoundly affecting his artistic output and leading to a darker, more introspective style.

5. Goya’s “Black Paintings,” a series of 14 murals painted directly onto the walls of his house, depict haunting and nightmarish themes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francisco Goya

1. “Fantasy, abandoned by reason, produces impossible monsters; united with it, she is the mother of the arts and the origin of marvels.”

2. “The sleep of reason produces monsters.”

3. “I have had three masters, Nature, Velázquez, and Rembrandt.”

4. “The object of my work is to report the nature of man and the various classes of society.”

5. “In art, there is no need for color; I see everything in chiaroscuro.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While historical records do not provide exact figures, it is estimated that Francisco Goya achieved significant financial success during his lifetime, particularly as a court painter and through the sale of his prints and paintings. Adjusted for modern inflation, his net worth would be in the millions.

Children

Francisco Goya and his wife, Josefa Bayeu, had several children, but only one survived to adulthood: Javier Goya y Bayeu. Javier followed in his father’s footsteps to some extent, engaging in the arts though he did not achieve the same level of renown.