Portrait of Don Ramón Satué
1823 Rijksmuseum
About this artwork
This portrait depicts Don Ramón Satué, a high-ranking judge in Madrid, painted in 1823. It is a masterful example of late Goya, characterized by rapid, confident brushwork and a somber, psychological depth.
Did you know?
Hidden beneath the top layers of this painting, X-ray analysis has revealed an earlier, unfinished portrait of a French military official—likely Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte. Goya likely painted over this controversial figure after the fall of the French regime to protect his subject or himself during the subsequent political purges. This layer of historical 'erasure' adds a fascinating layer of political intrigue to an already striking portrait.
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Portrait of Don Ramón Satué
Francisco Goya, 1823
