The artwork, titled “Allegory of the City of Madrid,” is an allegorical painting by the renowned Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Created in 1810, the piece is crafted using oil on canvas. Emblematic of the Romanticism movement, it measures 260 x 195 cm. The painting is part of the collection at the Museo de Historia de Madrid in Madrid, Spain, where it is displayed for public viewing.
The allegorical composition features a central female figure representing Madrid. She is adorned in classical drapery, lending her an air of both grace and authority. Her countenance exudes a calm resolve, characteristic of the city’s spirit. Beside her, cherubic figures, symbolizing aspects of the city or its values, engage with symbols such as a shield bearing the emblem of Madrid and the oak tree which stands for strength and endurance. Another figure, holding a trumpet and the inscription “DOS DE MAYO,” refers to the date of the uprising against French occupation, a patriotic reference indicating the city’s resilience and valor. The incorporation of such symbolic elements underscores the city’s cultural and historical significance, intertwined with broader themes of nationalism and civic pride prevalent during this period. The use of light and shadow, as well as a dynamic composition, infuses life and grandeur into the allegory, underscoring the emotive power typical of Romantic art.
