The House of Osuna, founded in the 16th century, was one of the most prominent in the Spanish nobility. The first duchess, María de la Cueva y Silva, was instrumental in creating an environment conducive to the arts. Her husband, the first duke, Pedro Téllez-Girón, also contributed to this end. The couple became powerful patrons, attracting numerous artists to their court at the Palace of Osuna, a place that became a center for cultural and artistic exchange.
One of the most prominent painters who worked for the Dukes of Osuna was Francisco de Goya. Although Goya is often associated with the court of Charles IV, his relationship with the nobility began much earlier, and the dukes played a crucial role in his career. During the 1780s, Goya received commissions from the family, including portraits that captured the elegance and status of his subjects. Goya's technique, which combined realism with a profound psychological exploration, resulted in portraits that were not only visually striking but also offered an emotional backdrop that resonated with the aristocracy of the time.
His work “The Family of Charles IV” is perhaps one of the most emblematic of his career, although it is important to highlight that in his early stage, the influence of the Dukes of Osuna was significant in the development of his style. These portraits of high society not only reflected fashion and status but also opened a window to the complexities...