The Black Paintings of Goya

by Juan José Junquera

The Spanish master-painter Francisco de Goya (1746-1828) is revered not only for the delicate and sensitive treatment of his subjects but also for his radical political stance and modern sensibility. Towards the end of his life, embittered by the appalling cruelty of the Napoleonic Wars in Spain, Goya decorated the walls of his house outside Madrid with a series of 14 terrifying murals that depicted the underbelly of life and the remorselessness of human existence. Known as the Black Paintings, this series of murals is recognized as one of Goya's greatest masterpieces and now hangs in the Prado. Fully illustrated, this is the only book on the Black Paintings currently in print in English. A controversial narrative gives new interpretations of the artist's intention behind these grotesque works and shows how this period of Goya's work anticipated Surrealism and other aspects of 20th century artistic vision.

Genres: Art, Art History, Visual Art

96 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2006

Reviews

[mj · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb collection and history that explores this important artist and his late, dark work. There's a power and mystery to these nightmares brought to life, full of turmoil, disturbance in the soul, anger and depression. This isn't easy art to love, but for those who seek a challenge, then this book will provide that. Better still, be inspired to go to Madrid to see the real things.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

These paintings are amazing. I'm recommending this as a picture book. Please don't read the text, it is pretty much useless. The reproductions are good (with some nice details) and it is nice to be able to look at them.

[Aaron the Pink Donut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greet survey of the black paintings. Nice reproductions of the images and insightful text.