Maja and Celestina on a Balcony 1812

"Maja and Celestina on a Balcony" is a 1812 painting by Spanish master Francisco de Goya, showcasing the artist's signature dark and dramatic style. The painting depicts two women, a young, elegant woman, "Maja", and an older, haggard "Celestina", standing on a balcony, their figures separated by a dark, imposing iron railing. Goya utilizes chiaroscuro, a stark contrast of light and shadow, to emphasize the figures and their dramatic expressions, leaving much of the background shrouded in mystery. The painting is considered a masterpiece of Spanish Romanticism, captivating viewers with its evocative composition and intriguing portrayal of contrasting figures.