Francisco GoyaYard with Lunatics1793-1794Romanticism

Many artists throughout history have chosen subjects dealing with the outcasts or rejected members of society. From the mentally ill to the sick or infirm, artists have represented these people in a manner that is often flattering but just as often demeaning. Why do you think artists choose the outcasts of society as a subject matter? What attitude do you think Goya is illustrating towards this subject?

Francisco GoyaManuel Osorio de Zuniga1788Romanticism

The art of portraiture is one that many artists throughout history have used to make for a successful financial career and Goya was no exception. However, Goya often used his portraits to convey more than just the the image of the person. What do we see in this image that gives us a deeper meaning? What meaning or idea do you think is being suggested?

Francisco GoyaThe Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters1797-1798Romanticism

Goya was one of the first artists to use his art as a means of communicating his personal thoughts and ideas directly to the viewing public. He used his art as a means of making statements about society in general often with the hope that it would promote thought and eventual change. What idea do you think he is conveying with the title of this work “The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters”? What social change may he have been hoping to see come about?

The practice of using a dark background in a work of art was initially developed during the Baroque period. This practice, known as tenebrism, was used by Goya and by artists ever since as a device for creating contrast in their work.

What does having this dark background do for the work of art in terms of creating a focal point in the composition?

Francisco GoyaCrucified Christ1780Romanticism

As happens to many artists as they get older, Goya’s subject matter and style changed in his later years. His art took on a darker tone both in value and subject. He painted large murals (now known as his “black paintings”) that depicted violence and cruelty as well as seemingly supernatural subjects. What do you think is the reason that artists, as they get older, might change their style? What factors in their lives might affect them in such a way to effect such changes?

Francisco Goya, The Great He-Goat or Witches Sabbath, 1821-23, Romanticism