Charles IV of Spain and his family 1800

Francisco de Goya painted "Charles IV of Spain and His Family" with oil on canvas. In this portrait, the Spanish royal family presents itself as powerful and legitimate, but Goya’s approach complicates this message. Royal portraits had a public role; they were part of the politics of imagery. Painted in 1800, the composition recalls Velázquez's "Las Meninas," placing the viewer in the position of the King and Queen. This painting subtly critiques the Spanish monarchy. Goya renders the royals with unflattering realism, capturing their vanity and perceived ineffectiveness. The lavish clothing and decorations cannot hide their uninspiring visages. Goya, who appears in the shadows, seems to be a detached observer, questioning his role as a court painter. Historians consult diaries, letters, and state documents to better understand the artwork. The meaning of art is contingent on the society and institutions in which it was made.