Portrait of Francisco Goya, from "The Portfolio"
Original title: Portrait of Francisco Goya, from "The Portfolio"
kurzbeschreibung
In 1879, Louis Lucas produced an etching of the Spanish painter Francisco Goya, based on a painting by Vicente López. The print was made for the art journal 'The Portfolio'. It is a black-and-white print with plate dimensions of 22.8 × 18.6 cm.
Description
An older man appears, dressed in shirt, sash, and coat, holding a palette and brushes. The background remains dark, drawing attention to the face and hands. The figure stands in the foreground, and the arrangement feels central. Soft light models the facial features. At the bottom are the inscriptions 'Lopez pinx' and 'Louis Lucar Sc'.
Context
This reproductive etching was made in 1879 after a painting by Vicente López y Portaña, which depicts Goya around 1826. It was published in the London art journal 'The Portfolio', known for high-quality prints. Louis Lucas, a French engraver, specialized in reproductive engravings. Goya was then regarded as a central figure in Spanish art; the portrait paid tribute to his work.
Impact
The etching conveys a dignified, focused atmosphere, supported by realistic rendering and targeted lighting. The monochrome emphasizes the seriousness of the portrait and directs attention to the details of the face and hands. The inscriptions refer to artistic tradition and 19th-century reproductive practices.
Technique
This etching is an intaglio process in which the drawing is bitten into a metal plate with acid. Fine lines and hatching create the tonal values and the realistic appearance. It was printed on paper with sheet dimensions of 29.9 × 23.1 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)