Maja and an officer; folio 22 (verso) from the Madrid Album "B"
Original title: Maja and an officer; folio 22 (verso) from the Madrid Album "B"
kurzbeschreibung
This sheet from the Madrid Album 'B' captures a close encounter between two figures, drawn by Goya between 1795 and 1797 using brush and carbon black washes. A woman in traditional dress and a man seen from behind come together in an intimate situation.
Description
On the left, a woman stands in a long-sleeved gown and headscarf, her gaze directed to the right, her upper body leaning slightly forward. Opposite her, on the right, a man appears from behind, wearing a coat and trousers, seemingly turning toward the woman. A plain wall forms the background and catches shadows, suggesting a light source from the front or above. Clothing and posture are observed with precision and rendered true to life. In the upper left, the number '22' is written; in the upper right, a '3'.
Context
Goya's Madrid Album 'B' belongs to his years in the Spanish capital, when he increasingly turned to everyday life and the observation of social conditions. This sheet is part of a series of studies the artist made for himself, not intended for sale. The figures may be Madrid types, such as recur in later works by Goya. The dating 1795–97 marks a time when Goya sought new artistic paths after a serious illness.
Impact
The restrained black and gray tones create a quiet, intimate mood that brings the meeting of the two figures to the fore. Soft brushstrokes and delicate shading give the sheet an almost sketch-like lightness, yet they precisely capture the postures.
Technique
Brush and point of brush, guided with carbon black washes on paper, allowed Goya a fluid, spontaneous stroke. This method permits both the finest details and broad tonal areas, thus accounting for the interplay of light and shadow.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)