Arcadópolis
Charles IV of Spain and His Family
Francisco de Goya, 1800–1801
What you see
More than a dozen people stand almost in a line, as if on a stage. At the center, a lady in a pale embroidered gown hugs a girl and holds the hand of a little boy dressed in red. To one side, King Charles IV steps forward, his chest covered in sashes and medals; to the other, a young man in blue leads another group.
Gold and silver embroidery, blue sashes and touches of red shine against a shadowy wall hung with two large paintings. Up close, the jewels and embroidery are just quick dabs of color. Spot the baby in the arms of one of the women, and the solemn faces of the relatives at the back.
About Francisco de Goya
Francisco de Goya was born in Fuendetodos, Aragon, and became court painter to the kings of Spain. He painted elegant portraits, cheerful scenes for tapestries and also the horrors of war. He kept experimenting until the end of his life, and many consider him the first modern painter.
More by Francisco de Goya
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