Dona María Tomasa Palafox, The Marquesa de Villafranca Painting her Husband 1804

“Dona María Tomasa Palafox, The Marquesa de Villafranca Painting her Husband” was made by Francisco de Goya in the late 18th or early 19th century. This portrait is of a woman from the Spanish aristocracy, but it is also a painting of an artist, a profession that was dominated by men. It prompts questions about the role of women in art and society. Here, the Marquesa is depicted with the tools of her craft, poised and confident. The painting celebrates her identity and artistic skill, while still reflecting the conventions of portraiture of the time. The male portrait on the easel becomes an object of her gaze and creative power, which is an interesting reversal of traditional gender roles in art. Goya invites us to consider the dynamics of power, gender, and artistic expression during a time of social change. How does the Marquesa’s gaze shape not only the image of her husband but also her own identity?