“Leocadia” is an oil on canvas artwork created by Francisco Goya between 1819 and 1823, as part of his acclaimed “Black Paintings” series. This work is a portrait that follows the Romanticism art movement. Measuring 147.5 by 129.4 cm, the artwork is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
The artwork depicts a somber, almost contemplative figure, traditionally believed to be Leocadia Zorrilla, who may have been Goya’s housekeeper and possibly his lover in his later years. She appears pensive, dressed in dark mourning clothes, against a vague and subdued landscape. A patterned shawl drapes her shoulders, and a lace mantilla covers her head, casting shadows over her facial features. The figure rests her cheek on one hand, suggesting a moment of melancholy or reflection. The background is composed of soft, undefined shapes and hues that give little away about the setting, further emphasizing the intimate and introspective nature of the portrait. The loose brushwork and the play of light and dark convey a sense of psychological depth and an emotional intensity characteristic of Goya’s work during this period.
