“María Luisa of Parma wearing panniers” is an oil on canvas portrait by Francisco Goya, dating from 1789. As an exemplar of the Romanticism movement, the artwork measures 205 by 132 centimeters. It depicts a genre scene of portraiture and is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork presents a full-length portrait of María Luisa of Parma, who is depicted standing with panniers, which are wide supports worn at the side of the skirt. She is adorned with a lavish dress embellished with gold and precious stones, indicative of her royal status. Her attire is completed with an elaborate hat decorated with feathers, a clear marker of the fashion of the time. María Luisa’s pose is both regal and relaxed, as she leans on what appears to be a draped table or pedestal, whilst her gaze confronts the viewer with a confident and engaging expression.
The painter’s use of soft light and rich detail captures the texture of the fabrics and the sparkle of the jewelry, accentuating the luxury and opulence of the subject’s appearance. The dark background contrasts with the luminosity of the figure, drawing attention to her and highlighting the fine craftsmanship of her garments. Goya’s skill in rendering both the human form and the sumptuousness of the attire illustrates his mastery as a portraitist and his significant role within the Romantic period of art.
