Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, born in 1746 in Fuendetodos, Spain, is a seminal figure in the Romanticism movement. Goya's career began with his work as a court painter for the Spanish Crown, where he produced portraits that captured the intricacies of his subjects with psychological depth. His oeuvre expanded beyond portraiture to include a series of etchings and paintings that critically depicted the social and political turmoil of his time, notably the "Disasters of War" series. Goya's later works, such as the "Black Paintings," reflect a profound shift towards darker themes, illustrating his disillusionment with society and the human condition. His innovative approach to composition and his exploration of the darker aspects of human nature significantly influenced later artists, earning him the title of the "Father of Modern Art." Goya passed away in 1828 in Bordeaux, France, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the art world.