Life of Goya
With the coronation of the two Catholic rulers, Ferdinand and Isabella in 1479, the country of Spain slowly began to unite. Piece by piece, the King and Queen recaptured once lost lands and built their empire. In 1516 Carlos V rose to power, establishing the Hapsburg reign. The Hapsburg ruled for nearly two hundred years until the death of Charles II. With him died a Golden Age for Spain that the Catholic rulers established. Spain fell into a time of mass poverty, disorganization, and lackadaisical rule. One force that was structured in Spain was the church. Catholicism was not only a religion in Spain but also a significant influence in society. At the time, however, it did little to improve the conditions. Classes were heavily lopsided. The middle class was almost non-existent, and the upper class monopolized agricultural land. The provinces of Aragon, La Mancha, and Castile were where most of the poverty and depression was concentrated. Costal cities like Cadiz and Madrid were where prosperity existed. In the midst of commencing political and aristocratic turmoil, was born one of the most talented and patriotically concerned artists Spain has ever seen. On March 30, 1745 in the rural town of Fuend
This event (one of many that were similar) was a significant moment in Spanish history. French firing squads patrolled through Spain as guerrillas (little wars) broke out over the land. Goya found a median at which he could satisfy someone's expectations while fulfilling his own artistic thoughts. As he did in life, the King stands to one side and his face is that of an uncertain oaf. The drawing of naked models was forbidden at that time. Martinez was a typical third rank painter of that time, but was well respected in the city. Charles IV was a Bourbon King who was later deposed by Napoleon. She was proud of their thickness and strength but Goya paints them to look almost gross. Hidalgos were the lowest order in Spanish nobility. He was born poor and at the fall of the Hapsburg Monarchy. Somewhat of a different style and theme is showed in The Shooting on Principe Pio Mountain. This painting shows a difference and gradual change in Goya's style. Goya used this devise of altering human characteristics as a way to undermine politicians and aristocrats without confrontation. These were times of confusion and despair, which would serve as artistic topics for Goya's work. It was here where the foundation of his career was laid.
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