Goya in Madrid
Goya, one of the great masters of world painting was rejected two times in his attempt to enter into the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, and like so many other illustrious Spaniards he had to emigrate to find his place in history.
In Italy, he worked on religious paintings and learnt the art of fresco painting. On his return to Spain and thanks to the recognition obtained in Italy, he was commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Basilica del Pilar.
Later on, once he was installed in the court, he started working for the Royal Tapestry Factory, painting the cards that hand-crafters would translate into the tapestries to adorn the walls of the palace. Likewise, and with the intention of entering the court, he began to paint portraits of the nobles of the city.
As indicated by Goya himself, Master Velázquez was his teacher and inspiration, but again, the student surpasses the teacher, not because we are able to show even one work that is superior to any of his master’s, but it is Goya the painter who innovates and breaks the mold of classical painting, opening a window to enter and bring forward new techniques imposed in modern painting.
