Portrait of the Artist Julio Asensio (c.1798) by Francisco Goya

Portrait of the Artist Julio Asensio - Francisco Goya - c.1798

Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of the Artist Julio Asensio
ArtistFrancisco Goya
Datec.1798
Art MovementRomanticism
Current LocationThyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid, Spain

About Portrait of the Artist Julio Asensio

The artwork “Portrait of the Artist Julio Asensio” is a significant piece by Francisco Goya, dating back to circa 1798. This work is identified with the Romanticism movement and is categorized within the genre of portraiture. The artwork is housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, located in Madrid, Spain. Goya’s portrait offers viewers a captivating glimpse into the personality and presence of Julio Asensio.

In this artwork, the subject stands confidently in the foreground. He is depicted nearly in full length, dressed in attire indicative of that period, characterized by a dark coat accented with bright buttons, a waistcoat, and a white cravat. His face conveys a sense of quiet self-assuredness, with his gaze slightly averted from the observer. The light source in the composition highlights the figure effectively, casting a strong light on his face and left side while creating deep shadows to his right. The muted palette is punctuated by the vibrancy of the blue accents in the coat and the crispness of the white of his shirt and cravat.

The background appears understated, featuring perhaps a studio setting with an easel, which may indicate the profession of Asensio or a nod to the artistic environment. There is a simplicity to the composition that directs all focus to the subject himself, as Goya masterfully balances the interplay of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and dimension in the portrait. This painting stands as a testament to the skill of Goya as a portraitist and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects through his Romantic sensibilities.

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