Spanish artist Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), also known as the father of modern art, painted royal portraits and some revolutionary work in the late 18th century. Over the course of his illustrious career, Goya moved from being optimistic and cheerful to deeply gloomy in his art practice, which includes paintings, drawing, etchings and frescoes. After studying art as a teenager in Spain, he went to Rome to hone his skills. Goya joined the Spanish royal workshops in 1774, a relationship that spanned four ruling monarchies.

‘La maja vestida’ (The Clothed Maja) was painted between 1800 and 1805, oil on canvas, 38 inches × 75 inches, is a clothed version of the earlier ‘La maja desnuda’ (1797–1800); both canvases are exhibited in the same room. There is an interesting debate about the model and one name that stands out is the 13th Duchess of Alba, who was a very wealthy and powerful woman in her own right. The artist was infatuated by her and rumour had it that they were lovers too. The painting is displayed at Museo del Prado, Madrid. — M.Z.A

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, June 19th, 2016