Portrait of General José Manuel Romero c. 1810

Francisco de Goya painted this oil portrait of General José Manuel Romero. Goya, as court painter, navigated the complex social and political landscapes of late 18th and early 19th century Spain. Look closely at Romero's face, at the lack of romanticism here. Instead, Goya offers a glimpse into the burdens of leadership and the personal cost of political change. The general’s elaborate attire, symbolic of power and status, contrasts with his somber expression. The red sash and star allude to his military achievements and allegiance to the Spanish crown, yet there’s a sense of unease, perhaps reflecting the turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars and Spain's internal conflicts. Goya masterfully captures the tension between public persona and private emotion. While ostensibly a celebration of military prowess, Goya subtly critiques the weight of authority, leaving us to ponder the human experience behind the symbols of power.