Two Old Men (c. 1821-1823) by Francisco Goya

Two Old Men - Francisco Goya - c. 1821-1823

Artwork Information

TitleTwo Old Men
ArtistFrancisco Goya
Datec. 1821-1823
MediumOil on plaster remounted on Canvas
Dimensions144 x 66 cm
Current LocationMuseo del Prado, Madrid
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About Two Old Men

Francisco Goya’s Two Old Men is a haunting portrait of two elderly figures sitting bent over their meal in darkness. This painting is part of a series of 14 Black Paintings produced by the artist between the years 1819 and 1823, when he was in his mid-70s and facing physical and mental distress. During this period, Goya purchased “The House of the Deaf Man” and began painting on the interior walls of the property.

The painting evokes feelings of misery and despair through its use of dark colors, somber lighting, hunched-over posture, and lack of any background details or setting. The figures appear to be isolated from society with only each other for company. It is not known who these old men may be, but they seem to embody the suffering faced by many older people during that time period.

Two Old Men is now stored at Madrid’s Prado Museum, along with other darkly themed portraits produced by Goya between 1820-1823. As one of his most powerful works from this period, it represents an important milestone in art history as well as a significant contribution to our understanding of human emotions depicted through visual art.

Overall, Two Old Men exemplifies Francisco Goya’s range as an artist able to convey raw emotion through his creative expression without relying on traditional forms or styles. Its impact on viewers remains just as poignant today as it did nearly two centuries ago when it was first created.

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