Goya and the Transition to Romanticism

Goya's Artistic Journey

  • Initial Training

    • Goya starts as a neoclassical artist.

    • Trained under Anton Mengs, who was linked with Johann Winckelmann in Rome.

    • Mengs was appointed by King Carlos of Spain to head the art academy in Madrid.

  • Influence of Enlightenment

    • King Carlos was an Enlightenment monarch aiming for modernization and industrialization.

    • This pivot meant adopting neoclassical ideals, which Goya learned and adopted in his early career.

  • Split Loyalties

    • Goya's enlightenment training came with mixed feelings towards France and Napoleon's influence.

The Mahas and Mahos

  • Cultural Significance

    • Goya depicted Mahas (women) and Mahos (men) in traditional Spanish attire, reflecting authenticity rooted in Castilian heritage.

    • Outfits included Moorish cloaks for men and nets for women's hair; not peasant class but city dwellers, artisans, and a literate populace.

  • Political Allegiance

    • Mahas and Mahos represented loyalty to the king and church.

    • They reacted violently against modernization efforts that threatened their livelihoods.

    • Riots occurred both against new factory establishments and bans on traditional clothing, signaling social unrest against change.

  • Goya’s Imagery

    • His portrayals showed them as flirtatious and confident, embodying a spirit of rebellion and Spanish pride, appealing even to aristocrats.

Caprichos: A Critical Look at Society

  • Etching Series

    • Goya created a series of 80 etchings titled "Caprichos" which critiqued the Ancien Régime and questioned social customs, tradition, and governance.

    • The term "caprichos" connects more to invention than whimsy, allowing Goya to explore ideas and present critiques with artistic freedom.

  • Censorship and Backlash

    • The Spanish Inquisition banned Caprichos two days after publication; Goya's intention was to unveil lies upheld by tradition and ignorance.

    • Background events included notable prosecutions by the Inquisition, which were aggressive against dissent.

  • Sleep of Reason

    • One of the most famous prints from this series depicts an artist (presumably Goya himself) who has fallen asleep at work, surrounded by ominous symbols (lynx, owls, bats).

    • The artist's attire represents neoclassical realism and enlightenment rationality, contrasting against the chaos behind him.

    • Goya's philosophy expressed here: "Fantasy abandoned by reason produces impossible monsters; united with it, is the mother of the arts."

The Impact of Romanticism

  • Transition to Romanticism

    • Goya’s late work embodies Romanticism, a movement seeking to break free from neoclassical constraints.

    • Romanticism is characterized by a rejection of order and restraint in favor of individual expression and emotional depth.

  • Contrast with Neoclassicism

    • Neoclassicism emphasizes order, geometry, and restraint whereas Romanticism embraces caprice and personal feelings.

  • Artistic Freedom

    • Goya advocated for artistic freedom from customs and authority for true creativity.

    • Romantic artists turned to nature and the irregular as sources for personal projection and imaginative exploration.