Portrait of the Joaquina, nee Tellez Giron y Alfonso Pimental, 10th Marquesa de Santa Cruz as the Muse, Euterpe 1805

Francisco Goya's "Portrait of the Joaquina, nee Tellez Giron y Alfonso Pimental, 10th Marquesa de Santa Cruz as the Muse, Euterpe" (1805) depicts the noblewoman as the Greek muse of music. Goya, known for his masterful portrayals of Spanish society, renders the Marquesa in a relaxed pose on a sumptuous bed. Her loose, flowing gown and wreath of flowers evoke a sense of classical elegance. The presence of the lyre, a symbol of Euterpe, underscores the subject's association with music and artistry. This work is considered one of Goya's finest portraits and highlights his ability to capture both the physical beauty and intellectual spirit of his sitters.