The Rediscovery of a Familiar Genius
The Prado Museum has announced what promises to be the art event of the year: a retrospective exhibition that unveils unknown facets of Francisco de Goya through works never before exhibited to the public. This extraordinary show represents the fruit of years of meticulous research and painstaking restorations that now see the light. Art lovers will be able to experience the Aragonese master from a completely new perspective.
The exhibition includes pieces that remained for centuries in private collections, as well as early works that foreshadow the artist's genius and technical studies that reveal his creative processes. Each selected work tells a particular story about Goya's evolution, from his time as a court painter to his darkest and most personal period. The curators have designed a tour that functions as a visual biography of the artist.
Most Highlighted Discoveries of the Exhibition
- Preparatory sketches for series like Los Caprichos and Los Desastres
- Early portraits of his family and personal circle
- Color studies that show his technical evolution
- Unpublished documentation on his working methods
Technology in the Service of Art
What makes this exhibition unique is the use of advanced pictorial analysis technologies that have allowed the discovery of secrets hidden under layers of paint. Through X-rays and infrared reflectography, specialists have identified underlying compositions and significant changes that Goya made during the creative process. These revelations transform the understanding of his technique and way of working.
Goya continues to surprise three centuries after his brushstrokes
Visitors will be able to appreciate not only the final works, but also the different stages of creation through interactive screens. This multidimensional approach allows understanding the artist as a human being in constant evolution, full of doubts, corrections, and moments of inspiration. The show demonstrates that even geniuses need to revise their work.
Novelties in Goya Research
- New attributions based on scientific analysis
- Discoveries about his materials and techniques
- Expanded historical context with recent documentation
- Influences and little-explored artistic relationships
The temporary exhibition will occupy the main halls of the Prado for six months, complemented by a program of activities that includes lectures with international specialists and educational workshops. The exhibition catalog has been conceived as a reference publication that will surely become required reading for Goya scholars. The organizers promise an immersive experience that transcends mere observation of paintings.
Those who thought they knew everything about Goya will probably need to review their notes after this exhibition 🎨