Goya, an account of his life and works

This volume offers a vivid portrait of Spain’s most celebrated painter, tracing his journey from a restless youth in Aragon to the court of Madrid and beyond. Through lively narration and more than six hundred illustrations, the author sketches Goya’s evolution from bright Rococo scenes to the darker, socially charged etchings that earned him a reputation as a fearless observer of his age. Listeners will discover how his work reflects the turbulent politics and cultural shifts of eighteenth‑ and nineteenth‑century Spain, while also revealing his unflinching humor and keen eye for human character.

The author, a dedicated scholar of Spanish art, supplements the narrative with a meticulous catalogue that lists every known painting, etching and lithograph, making this a valuable reference for students and enthusiasts alike. His reverent yet clear style brings the artist’s personality to life, emphasizing Goya’s refusal to flatter authority and his willingness to expose society’s contradictions. Listeners will come away with both a broad overview of Goya’s prolific output and a deeper appreciation for the bold, often unsettling, vision that still resonates today.