Artwork

Portrait of El General Ricardos

Portrait of El General Ricardos, by Francisco Goya, oil, 1800
Portrait of El General Ricardos, by Francisco Goya, oil, 1800

Portrait of El General Ricardos is an oil painting by the Spanish Baroque Tenebrist artist Francisco Goya. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created in 1800, is a portrait of General Ricardos by Francisco Goya. It is a representative work of Goya's oeuvre, showcasing his skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts General Ricardos, a military figure of significance during a time of political turmoil in Spain. The subject is shown seated, dressed in formal attire with intricate embroidery on his jacket, conveying a sense of dignity and authority.

Technique & Style

The painting is characterized by the use of strong chiaroscuro, a technique typical of the Spanish Baroque tenebrist tradition, in which Goya was trained. The contrast between light and dark areas emphasizes the subject's features and creates a sense of depth.

History & Provenance

The portrait is now held by the Walters Art Museum. It reflects Goya's engagement with contemporary military figures during a period of upheaval in Spain, highlighting his role as a leading Spanish painter of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francisco Goya

Artist

Francisco Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Walters Art Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.