Introduction
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828) is one of the most emblematic figures in Spanish art and one of the most influential in the history of Western art. His work spans from the Rococo to Romanticism, reflecting the social, political, and cultural tensions of his time. Goya maintained a significant relationship with the Spanish nobility, particularly with the House of Osuna, which translated into a series of portraits that not only document his patrons but also reveal the complexities of Spanish society in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The Dukes of Osuna Portrayed by Goya
The Dukes of Osuna, one of the most prominent families of the Spanish nobility, played an essential role in Goya's artistic life. The most notable couple he portrayed was the Duke of Osuna, Manuel de Silva y Álvarez de Toledo, and his wife, the Duchess, María Josefa de la Soledad Álvarez de Toledo y Salazar. Their relationship with Goya was both artistic and personal, as they became patrons of his work.
Detailed Description of the Most Important Portraits
*Portrait of the Duke of Osuna* (1786)
This portrait, created around 1786, is one of Goya's most representative works. The Duke appears dressed ostentatiously, in a velvet coat adorned with a sash and a medallion that symbolize his status. The Duke's serene expression, along with his upright posture, conveys a sense of dignity and authority. The dark palette used by Goya, along with the use of chiaroscuro, emphasizes the seriousness of the character.
*Portrait of the Duchess of Osuna* (1787)
In this portrait, the Duchess is presented in a white dress, embellished with lace and jewels. Her gaze is more introspective than that of the Duke, suggesting an emotional complexity. The dark background of the portrait contrasts with the...