The artwork “Portrait of the Joaquina, nee Tellez Giron y Alfonso Pimental, 10th Marquesa de Santa Cruz as the Muse, Euterpe,” created by the renowned artist Francisco de Goya in 1805, is an oil painting on canvas that exemplifies the Romanticism art movement. Measuring 125 x 207 cm, this portrait genre masterpiece is part of a private collection. Goya’s work captures the essence of the marquesa while simultaneously imbuing the piece with the spirit of the muse of music, Euterpe.
The artwork presents a reclining figure depicted with exquisite attention to detail and emotional depth. The subject is Joaquina Tellez Giron, portrayed as Euterpe, who captures the viewer with her direct gaze and relaxed posture. She is adorned with a delicate wreath of flowers in her hair, which suggests her connection to the artistic inspiration of the muses. In her hand, she gracefully holds a lyre, further reinforcing her association with Euterpe, who was traditionally depicted with this instrument in classical mythology.
The use of light and shadow in the painting resonates with the Romanticism movement’s focus on emotion and individualism. The softness of her attire, the translucent quality of the fabric, and the lushness of the red drapery on which she reclines imbue the scene with a sensual and intimate atmosphere. Goya’s technique, manifested in his brushwork and color palette, creates a vivid and engaging representation, elevating the marquesa’s social rank into a timeless symbol of artistic inspiration and beauty.
