spain order
José Villegas Cordero was a Spanish painter, master of costume and genre scenes, who directed the Prado Museum from 1901 to 1918.
He studied at the School of Fine Arts in Seville and became known as a talented genre painter, noting interesting domestic scenes and accurately portraying the characters. Domestic painting at that time was very popular with the public. The artist also deals with the themes of the East, with great skill drawing pictures from sketches he made on a trip to Morocco.
In 1898 Villegas Cordero was appointed director of the Spanish Academy in Rome, and in 1901 he was appointed director of the Museo del Prado, the same museum that had once copied Velázquez's paintings himself while studying his art.
David Roberts was a Scottish painter and a member of the Royal Academy.
Since 1819, David Roberts worked as a scenographer in various theaters, where his creative potential was appreciated. Inspired by the positive feedback, some time later he seriously engaged in painting. After the first exhibition of works, held in 1824, the artist went on a trip. He visited several countries in Europe, where he created many drawings. In 1833, David Roberts continued to explore the world: he went to Spain, where he spent almost a year, also had time to visit Morocco, lived in Cairo for a long time and made sketches everywhere. Subsequently, his works were published in various magazines, and the author gained fame as a talented illustrator. In 1841, the artist became a member of the Royal Academy.
In the 1840s, an album with his works was published, thanks to these publications, David Roberts became the most famous painter of the Victorian era. The artist also skillfully depicted monuments of architecture. David Roberts' paintings are striking in their photographic accuracy, and he is still considered one of the best architectural painters in his homeland.
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker, celebrated as the most pivotal Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born in Fuendetodos, Aragon, Spain, on March 30, 1746, Goya's work reflects a tumultuous period of history, intertwining the personal, political, and social upheavals of his time with a bold and innovative artistic vision. His early career was marked by portraits of the Spanish aristocracy and royalty, as well as Rococo style tapestry cartoons for the royal palace. However, following a severe illness in 1793 that left him deaf, his art took on a darker and more pessimistic tone.
Goya's oeuvre is vast, encompassing around 700 paintings, 280 prints, and several thousand drawings, through which he depicted a wide range of subjects from the whimsical to the macabre. Notable among his works are "The Naked Maja," "The Clothed Maja," "The Family of Charles IV," "The Third of May 1808: The Execution of the Defenders of Madrid," and "Saturn Eating His Children." His etchings, particularly the series "Los Caprichos" and "The Disasters of War," are celebrated for their intricate detail, emotional depth, and critical social commentary.
Goya's contribution to art goes beyond his mastery of painting and printmaking. He is often considered the bridge between the Old Masters and modern art, introducing themes and techniques that would influence countless artists in the centuries to follow. His ability to capture the essence of his era, the human condition, and the complexities of his own psyche, makes his work universally relatable and enduringly relevant.
His most famous paintings are housed in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Museo del Prado in Madrid, which holds an extensive collection of his works. The Prado's collection serves as a testament to Goya's significant impact on art and culture, offering insight into the artist's unique perspective on the world around him.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Francisco de Goya's legacy is a beacon of artistic innovation and historical significance. His works not only adorn the walls of museums but also continue to inspire and provoke thought among audiences across the globe.
For updates related to Francisco de Goya, including new product sales and auction events related to his works, sign up for our newsletter. Stay informed on the latest offerings and opportunities to add to your collection of this legendary artist's works.