Goya: A Portrait of the Artist

Goya scholar Tomlinson (Goya: Order and Disorder) challenges conventional interpretations of Francisco Goya y Lucientes’s life and work in this passionate and well-researched biography. Employing personal letters, court documents, and one of the artist’s early sketchbooks, Tomlinson places Goya in the context of his tumultuous country and era and reveals his genius for invention, which she calls “the central tenet of his art.” Born to an artistic family in Zaragoza, Spain, in 1746, Goya apprenticed with Francisco Bayeu in Madrid, studied art in Italy, and spent his early career painting frescoes, murals, and tapestry cartoons. After acquiring a position in Madrid’s royal court, Goya painted portraits of his patrons and their wealthy associates. Bucking academic tradition, he later created paneled series, monumental historic images, and political works including a “suite of twenty-three etchings” that “criticized institutions both secular and religious.” Tomlinson refutes the common image of Goya as a dark, obsessive artist and attributes his success, instead, to his geniality and initiative. The writing is insightful, with Tomlinson’s pensive, philosophical tone mirroring her deep expertise and knack for critical thinking. This inspired, thoughtful work sheds new light on Goya and will enthrall any lover of fine art. (Sept).