Portrait of the Marquesa de Santiago 

Francisco Goya painted this portrait of the Marquesa de Santiago, and its somber palette and somewhat rigid pose immediately set a formal tone. Goya arranges the composition so the Marquesa is centered, and she's dressed in black, drawing the eye to her pale face framed by a delicate white veil. The background is painted in muted blues and greens that create a spacious, almost dreamlike setting. The stark contrast between the Marquesa’s dark dress and the light veil creates visual interest. The use of impasto in the clothing and lace adds texture, and the somewhat muted tones reflect Goya's critical engagement with the social and political structures of his time. It's as if he's using the visual language of the portrait to subtly question the very structures of power and representation. Ultimately, the painting serves as a reminder that art is not merely decorative but a complex interplay of form and context.