Self Portrait 1799

This is Francisco de Goya’s self-portrait, made with etching and aquatint, during a tumultuous period in Spanish history. Goya lived through the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, events that profoundly influenced his art and personal outlook. His position as a court painter provided a window into the lives of the aristocracy, even as his sympathies often lay with the common people. Here, Goya portrays himself with a sober dignity, wearing the attire of a gentleman. His gaze, averted from the viewer, suggests introspection. It’s hard not to see a critique of social norms, a recurring theme in Goya's work. The printmaking medium itself allowed for wider distribution, challenging the exclusivity of portraiture as a privilege of the elite. The emotional depth conveyed through the stark contrasts and fine lines speaks to Goya’s ability to capture the human condition, inviting us to consider the complexities of identity and representation in a changing world.