The artwork “A woman and two children by a fountain”, completed in 1786 by artist Francisco Goya, is an oil on canvas piece exemplifying the Romanticism movement. This genre painting measures 18.5 x 3.5 cm and is currently housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain. The artwork portrays a daily life scene with intimate charm characteristic of the Romantic period.
In the artwork, a woman stands by a fountain accompanied by two children. The naturalistic portrayal reflects the genre painting style, capturing a candid moment in everyday life. The woman, draped in a traditional shawl, appears to be attending to the children. One child, dressed in a dark blue garment with a hat, seems to be holding a water jug, whilst the other, younger child, clad in warmer tones, reaches up towards the woman. The backdrop appears to be a rural setting with simple architectural structures and a clear sky, imbuing the scene with a tranquil atmosphere that Romanticism often celebrated. The light and shadow contrasts, along with the skillful use of color, contribute to the sense of depth and reality within the composition, making it an insightful reflection of the social milieu and aesthetic values of its time.
