The artwork “Manuel Osorio de Zuniga” is an oil on canvas portrait painted by Francisco Goya circa 1787, embodying the Romanticism art movement. The dimensions of this piece are 127 x 101.6 cm. Currently, this remarkable artwork is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, located in New York City, New York, United States.
The portrait depicts a young boy, who is identified as Manuel Osorio de Zuniga. He stands against a neutral, dark background, which contrasts with the vibrant red of his attire. The child’s gaze is fixated directly at the viewer, evoking a sense of immediacy and presence. The boy is dressed in a lavish costume with a white lace collar and sleeves, his red suit is of a striking hue, which draws attention to his figure.
By the boy’s feet, an array of animals is painted with almost allegorical significance—a magpie stands on the ground holding a calling card in its beak, while three cats stealthily watch from the shadows. Additionally, a birdcage with finches is placed beside him, suggesting themes of innocence and the precarious balance between freedom and captivity. These elements, combined with the direct gaze and the sensitive portrayal of the young subject, contribute to the psychological depth that is characteristic of Goya’s work and of Romantic portraiture more broadly.
