The artwork titled “Portrait of Maria Teresa de Borbón y Vallabriga” was created by the eminent artist Francisco Goya in the year 1783. This oil on canvas painting is a classic example of Romanticism, a genre that emphasizes emotion and individuality. The portrait depicts Maria Teresa de Borbón y Vallabriga and can be viewed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, USA.
The artwork features a young girl positioned centrally against a natural backdrop that includes mountains and a lush green landscape. She is dressed in a detailed period costume that includes a blue and white dress with intricate lace and ribbon details, suggesting a sense of refinement and elegance. Her hair is adorned with floral accessories that complement her attire, and a delicate veil frames her youthful face, capturing the innocence and nobility of her age and status.
Maria Teresa is holding what appears to be a fan in her right hand while her left hand is gently resting on her waist, providing a poised and graceful stance. Next to her stands a small white dog, an addition that lends a feeling of warmth and companionship to the scene. Together, the figure of the young girl and her pet evoke a serene domesticity, set against the grandeur of the wild and pastoral background, underscoring the Romantic fascination with nature, beauty, and youth. The artist’s technical skill is evident in the rendering of textures and the play of light, which brings a lifelike quality to the subject.
