Gumersinda Goicoechea, Goya's Daughter in Law 1815

This is a sketch of Gumersinda Goicoechea, Goya's daughter-in-law, made by Francisco de Goya. Painted during a tumultuous time in Spanish history, as Enlightenment ideals clashed with traditional powers, Goya often captured the psychological complexities of his subjects. Here, Gumersinda is not presented in a formal, idealized manner, but with a certain depth and sensitivity. As the daughter-in-law, Gumersinda occupies an interesting place in Goya’s family life, and the intimacy of the sketch suggests a close relationship. Although Goya's portraits often reflected the social status of his sitters, here Gumersinda appears with a focus on her inner self. We can see in her expression a sense of quiet contemplation or perhaps even melancholy, inviting us to consider the emotional landscape of women in the 19th century. It’s a piece that transcends its time, touching on themes of family, identity, and personal introspection, that continue to resonate today.