Carlos IV on Horseback 

Curator: Before us, we have an oil painting titled "Carlos IV on Horseback" by Francisco de Goya. Editor: It strikes me as both grand and… a little unsettling. The colors are muted, almost somber. Curator: Indeed. It's a fascinating intersection of academic portraiture with the burgeoning Romantic style. Considering Goya’s career, the materials are also important. The weave of the canvas, the preparation of the oil paints... all speak to his commitment to his craft even while depicting powerful figures. Editor: And those powerful figures intended for a specific message! Given that it's a portrait of royalty, I'm curious about the societal context in which it was created, particularly the political implications. How does Goya's approach align with or subvert traditional royal portraiture? Curator: The context is paramount. Goya was working at a time of significant social and political upheaval. Think of how academic art operates—training at the academies, exhibiting to salons. That's a direct system of legitimization! Now Goya, as a court painter, needed patronage from the monarchy; however, with the knowledge of materials in mind—did Goya’s decision on what grade of pigment to use, in what context, allow him to be more bold than we expect? Editor: Absolutely. But was Goya subtly critiquing the monarchy? Because if the King saw a substandard artwork he was well within his means to get Goya removed, or even punished! Perhaps Goya pushed back where and how he could by hinting towards a Romantic style... What are your thoughts on how this particular piece intersects with Spain’s position on the world stage? Curator: Perhaps there are layers within layers! To truly understand Goya, we can study not only how oil paints were applied to the canvas, but from where they came from, how much labor was required, and where it sits today. Editor: Fascinating how a single portrait can reflect such complex historical currents. It pushes me to rethink Goya's strategies within this painting. Curator: For me, studying Goya’s artistic choices allows me to view the artwork within social parameters. This is how materials interact with political implications, a crucial method for understanding Goya’s place. Editor: Thank you!