Goya and the Spirit of Enlightenment

by Alfonso E. Pérez Sánchez, Eleanor A. Sayre

Published in conjunction with a landmark exhibition, this exceptional catalogue features the paintings, prints, and drawings that most clearly convey Francisco Goya's engagement with enlightenment. 310 illustrations, 130 duotones, 80 in color.

Genres: Art, Art History

500 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Alfonso Emilio Pérez Sánchez (16 June 1935 – 14 August 2010) was a Spanish art historian, specialising in Baroque art.

From 1983 to 1991 he was director of the Prado Museum, a period during which he led the museum's modernisation as Spain moved to democracy.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've seen on Goya. The works covered were part of an exhibition with the overall theme of Goya's engagement with the Enlightenment, so the book doesn't include every classic painting, etching, or tapestry. However, those included are given excellent treatment: large, colorful, crisp color images. Descriptions that offer essential historical context, critical interpretations of the art, and the thoughts of Goya and his contemporaries in their own words, provided in letters and documents quoted throughout. This is not a book to read straight through, but to enjoy browsing. I spent hours reading commentary on favorite works and discovering new ones along the way. Essential reading on Goya.