There are no rules in painting, Goya told the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid during an address he gave in 1792. He suggested that students should be allowed to develop their artistic talents freely and find inspiration from their own choice of masters rather than adhere to the doctrines of the neo-classical school. Goya himself was known to have claimed that Velazquez (fig. 2), Rembrandt (fig. 4) and Nature were his masters,but his work defies neat categorization and the diversity of his style is remarkable.

Francisco Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828) is one of the undisputed masters of 19th century Spanish painting. He is also often called 'the first of the moderns' because of his bold technique and his belief that the personal vision of the artist is more important than tradition.

As a young man he studied the masterpieces of Velasquez, who influenced him greatly. After becoming court painter to King Charles III in 1786, he did a series of portraits, religious and genre paintings which brought him fame and prosperity.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of Goya's paintings, engravings and cartoons for tapestries with illustrations and text covering the expansive journey of his life.

Introduction

Portraits

Religious Paintings

Spanish Life

Social Comment

Visionary

Conclusion

Bibliography