The artwork “Self-portrait in the Studio,” by Francisco Goya, is a seminal piece dated approximately between 1790 and 1795, described as an oil on canvas. Measuring 42 by 28 cm, it is categorized under the self-portrait genre and created during the period of Romanticism. Currently, the artwork is held in the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, located in Madrid, Spain.
In this self-portrait, Goya presents himself with a poised elegance that befits his stature as a court painter. The artist stands within his studio, in front of a canvas which is mostly obscured from the viewer’s sight. His right hand is shown holding a palette equipped with a variety of colors necessary for his work, indicative of his profession, while his left hand wields a brush or mahlstick against the canvas, capturing a moment of creation in progress.
He is attired in formal, sophisticated clothing—a black top hat adorns his head, and a finely tailored outfit complements his figure. Goya’s jacket is adorned with red decorations, punctuating the otherwise dark ensemble with splashes of vibrant color. He casts a direct, penetrating gaze outward, engaging the viewer and implicating them in his world of artistry and creativity. The interplay of light and shadow in the artwork adds depth and contrast, emphasizing the artist’s figure against the softly illuminated background. It’s a reflection not only of his image but of his self-perception and identity as an artist at a specific moment in his lifetime.
