Portrait of Manuel Godoy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portrait of Manuel Godoy |
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| Artist | Francisco Goya |
| Year | 1801 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 180 cm × 267 cm (71 in × 105 in) |
| Location | Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid |
The Portrait of Manuel Godoy is a large painting from 1801. It was created by the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya. Today, you can see it at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid.
This painting was ordered by Manuel Godoy, who was the Prime Minister of Spain. He wanted the portrait to celebrate his victory in a short war. This war was called the War of the Oranges and was fought against Portugal.
About the Painting
This portrait does a great job of showing Godoy's personality. He is shown in an unusual relaxed pose. This pose, along with the horses around him, suggests he felt very confident. The painting makes it seem like Godoy is at the very top of the Spanish government.
Goya shows Godoy's proud attitude through his posture. The artist also included Portuguese flags in the painting. This was a way to show Godoy's victory over Portugal. The way light is used in the painting makes it feel very strong and important.
Godoy's Power in 1801
In 1801, Manuel Godoy was at the peak of his power. He had just won the War of the Oranges. Because of this victory, he was given grand titles. He became "Generalissimo of land and sea" and "Prince of Peace." He was happy to accept these important titles.
Godoy and Goya were friends. Godoy owned two other paintings by Goya. These were portraits of Majas, which he might have asked Goya to paint. Godoy was also close to the Queen, Maria Luisa of Parma. He had influence over her. He also married into the royal family. His wife was the Countess of Chinchon, who was a cousin of the king.
Goya had painted Godoy before. In 1794, he painted a small portrait of Godoy on horseback. At that time, Godoy was the Duke of Alcudia.
Godoy's Later Life
Godoy's powerful career eventually ended. After the Spanish War of Independence, he lost his position. He was sent away from Spain and lived in poverty. He passed away in Paris in 1851. Even after he lost his power, Godoy still spoke kindly of Goya. In his own writings, he praised Goya's famous Caprichos artworks.
See also
In Spanish: Retrato de Manuel Godoy para niños
- List of works by Francisco Goya
