Birth of the Virgin 1772

Francisco Goya painted 'Birth of the Virgin' in Spain, though the exact date is unknown. It represents a traditional religious scene, but also reflects aspects of Spanish society at the time. Consider the visual codes. The light focuses on the infant Mary, emphasizing her purity and divine status, reinforcing the Catholic Church's teachings. Yet, Goya's loose brushwork and realistic depiction of the women attending the birth bring a sense of everyday life into the sacred event. The setting might remind viewers of the many foundling hospitals across Spain, which were run by religious orders. Goya lived during a time of social upheaval, with the Enlightenment's ideas challenging traditional beliefs. Art historians can research the archives of religious institutions and charities to understand better the complex relationships between the church, the state, and ordinary people in 18th-century Spain and reflect on the social conditions that shaped the artwork.