The artwork entitled “Tio Paquete” is a creation of Francisco Goya, dated to around 1820. It is an oil painting on canvas, which adheres to the Romanticism movement. The portrait measures 39.1 by 31.1 cm and is currently housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum located in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork portrays a head-and-shoulders view of an individual, whose expression is decidedly animated. The subject appears to be a mature man, characterized by his partially bald head and dark clothing that merges almost seamlessly into the dark background. A distinguishing feature of the portrayal is the wide, spirited smile on the man’s face which allows a full display of his teeth, exuding a sense of joviality or laughter. The brushwork exhibits rapid, visible strokes, particularly notable on the face and illumined scalp, providing a dynamic texture that contributes to the overall vivacity of the piece.
It is this spirited expression in “Tio Paquete” that aligns with the Romanticism movement’s emphasis on emotion and individuality. Goya’s use of chiaroscuro, manipulating the contrast between light and shadow, focuses the viewer’s attention on the man’s features, particularly the gleaming eyes and beaming smile. This technique helps to imbue the subject with psychological depth, suggesting a narrative or character beyond the mere likeness. Although the background and attire lack elaborate detail, this sparseness does not detract from the portrait’s impact; instead, it serves to enhance the emotional force conveyed by the subject’s expression.
