Portrait of Josefa de Castilla Portugal y van Asbrock de Garcini
1804 Metropolitan Museum of Art
About this artwork
This portrait depicts Josefa de Castilla Portugal y van Asbrock de Garcini, painted by Francisco Goya in 1804. The subject is shown in a half-length pose, set against a dark, dramatic background that emphasizes her pale complexion and long, flowing hair.
Did you know?
Goya, known as the last of the Old Masters and the first of the moderns, masterfully captured the personality of his subjects through loose, expressive brushwork. This portrait of Josefa exemplifies his transition toward the more psychological and intimate style that defined his later career in the Spanish court. The stark contrast between the subject and the dark, nearly pitch-black backdrop serves to focus the viewer entirely on the subject's calm and dignified expression.
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Portrait of Josefa de Castilla Portugal y van Asbrock de Garcini
Francisco Goya, 1804
