The artwork titled “Asensio Juliá” is an oil on canvas portrait painted by Francisco Goya circa 1798, during the Romanticism period. Measuring 55 by 41 centimeters, it depicts the portrait genre and is held in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum located in Madrid, Spain.
In the artwork, Goya presents an image of a man, believed to be Asensio Juliá, positioned in a confident stance. The subject is dressed in dark attire enhanced with distinct blue detailing that reflects the light, giving his clothing a sense of depth and texture. His face is rendered with an attentive gaze that seems to engage the viewer, while his hair flows back, suggesting movement or a gentle breeze. Behind him, the studio environment is hinted at with sparse, sketchy details, including an easel to the right. On the floor lie painting implements, such as brushes and perhaps a palette, further hinting at the subject’s artistic vocation. The loose brushwork and the interplay of light and shadow exemplify Goya’s mastery of the Romantic style, emphasizing emotion and individuality.
The painting showcases Goya’s ability to capture the human figure with vibrancy and a sense of immediacy. The composition’s dynamic quality, stemming from the subject’s pose and the artist’s expressive technique, imbues the portrait with a lively, almost candid, essence. Despite the limited palette, Goya effectively employs contrasts to draw attention to the figure, thereby creating a lasting visual impact.
