Francisco de Goya y Lucientes was born in 1746 in Fuendetodos, Zaragoza. He grew up there and began to train as an artist in the studio of a painter from the capital of Aragon, José Luzán. For four years, he was copying prints that the maestro gave him. It was then, at a young age, when he decided to set up on his own and let his own creativity loose. In his own words, “paint my invention”.
From this time until his death, as well as a commissioned and voluntary painter, Goya did not stop drawing everything that happened around him passed through his emotional sieve. In the drawings, he was free to express what he felt and he did so. He valued and kept these albums as if they were treasures. Thanks to his drawings, we now have a visual diary of Goya and the period in which he lived.
However, this is possible, among other things, thanks to the Botín Foundation which, in 2006, embarked on a line of research on the knowledge and dissemination of drawing in Spanish art fostered by the idea of protecting such a valuable yet delicate heritage. The great maestros of Spanish painting were great drawers but their drawings are not catalogued and protected as much as would be desired. For this reason, this line of work was embarked upon more than ten years ago. Drawing is the essential tool of all artists and it is where the artist is free, like Goya. Without them, we cannot obtain a global understanding of artists of the past.
On this occasion, you can see Lightness and Boldness. Goya’s Drawings, an exhibition of 83 pieces that review Goya’s life in the form of a visual diary. The drawings belong to the Prado Museum collection and they are a selection of Goya’s albums and preparatory drawings on which they are based.
On this occasion, you can see Lightness and Boldness. Goya’s Drawings, an exhibition of 83 pieces that review Goya’s life in the form of a visual diary. The drawings belong to the Prado Museum collection and they are a selection of Goya’s albums and preparatory drawings on which they are based.
The work of so many people to make this dream come true is now over. Your task is to enjoy it. Do so and be moved by Goya’s gentleness, irony, boldness, humour, sadness, desperation and lust. On leaving, ask us if you expected Goya to be like that.
Centro Botín
Albareda Dock no/d,
Peredas gardens
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