Charles IV, King of Spain

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

Created:

Movement:

1800

None

key Notes:

Royal portraiture, psychological realism.

Dimensions:

78 3/4 x 59 1/4 in. (200 x 150 cm)

medium:

Oil on canvas

Difficulty:

Intermediate

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story of the work:

"Charles IV, King of Spain" is a portrait painted by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes in 1800-1801, commissioned to commemorate the Spanish monarch and his family. The work is notable for its candid portrayal of the royal subjects, reflecting Goya's critical perspective on the Spanish monarchy and the socio-political climate of the time, ultimately influencing the evolution of portraiture in the 19th century.

Description of the work:

"Charles IV, King of Spain" by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes is an oil on canvas portrait that depicts the monarch in a formal setting, characterized by his regal attire and a direct gaze that engages the viewer. The composition is notable for its use of chiaroscuro, the arrangement of figures, and the inclusion of the royal family in the background, which collectively emphasize the king's authority and the familial bonds within the Spanish monarchy.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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