The artwork, attributed to Francisco Goya, is believed to be a portrait of either Josepha Bayeu or Leocadia Weiss, painted sometime between circa 1798 and circa 1814. This oil on canvas is a notable example of the Romanticism art movement. It measures approximately 81 by 56 centimeters and falls within the portrait genre. Presently, the artwork is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
In the artwork, the subject is depicted with a direct and engaging gaze that establishes a connection with the viewer. She appears against a dark, largely unadorned background that focuses attention on her person. The subject’s face is rendered with soft lighting that highlights her features, while the texture and folds of her white garment are depicted with careful attention to detail. The strokes that delineate her attire are loose and fluid, indicative of the Romantic penchant for emphasizing emotion and individuality. An additional element of richness is added through the carefully depicted golden embroidery on her bodice and sleeves, which provides a touch of opulence to the otherwise subdued color palette.
The portrayal is intimate and seems to capture a candid moment, rather than a formal, posed expression. This informality and the psychological depth visible in the subject’s expression are hallmarks of Goya’s sophisticated and emotionally resonant approach to portraiture. Goya’s skill in capturing the nuances of the human face and his subtle use of light and shadow contribute to the enduring fascination with his works, as exemplified by this particular portrait.
