The Game of Pelota 

Francisco de Goya likely painted this scene, 'The Game of Pelota' with oil on canvas in the late 18th century. It is important to consider the materiality and context of this painting. Oil paint, made from pigments mixed with oil, allowed Goya to build up layers of color and texture, capturing the energy of the game and the surrounding landscape. Goya's brushstrokes are loose and expressive, giving the scene a sense of immediacy. Pelota was a popular sport in Spain, played by people of all classes, and Goya was commissioned to make many paintings that depicted pastimes and celebrations. By depicting this mix of classes, Goya blurs the lines between high art and everyday life. The artist elevated a common scene to the level of fine art, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around them.