Francisco de Goya

Fuendetodos 1746 – 1828 Bordeaux, attributed
Portrait of a boy
Oil on canvas, relined
43 x 34 cm, framed 53 x 45 cm

This captivating portrait of a pale boy shows him smiling slightly with curly hair, dressed in an elegant black jacket over a white shirt. The gray background draws the eye to the boy’s expressive face, which smiles at the viewer with a mischievous look. This direct and playful expression lends the work a lively personality and immerses the viewer in the world of the sitter.
Francisco de Goya, an outstanding representative of 18th and 19th century Spanish painting, is often regarded as a pioneer of modern art. His works range from majestic portraits of the Spanish royal family to sombre, emotional compositions depicting the horrors of war and human nature. Goya was known for his ability to capture the emotions and character traits of his models, which is impressively demonstrated in this portrait of the boy.
The attributed work is in the context of Goya’s later creative period, in which he increasingly experimented with different styles. His interest in depicting children’s faces and figures reflects not only the social changes of his time, but also his personal relationship to themes such as innocence and vulnerability. These portraits, often characterized by a palpable intimacy, invite the viewer to explore the complex psychology of the sitters.
Overall, this portrait conveys a combination of playfulness and depth characteristic of Goya’s art, while offering insights into the cultural and artistic currents of his time.