Robert Hughes first encountered Goya's work while a student in Australia. Looking at his etchings for the first time, he wondered what made it possible for an eighteenth-century Spanish artist to convey the essence of despair, loneliness, anxiety and loss to an adolescent two centuries and half a world away. Thus began a life-long process of discovery and analysis. In many ways a labour of love, Goya charts the Spanish master's career, describing his entire painted and graphic oeuvre within its historical context. ...
Read More
Robert Hughes first encountered Goya's work while a student in Australia. Looking at his etchings for the first time, he wondered what made it possible for an eighteenth-century Spanish artist to convey the essence of despair, loneliness, anxiety and loss to an adolescent two centuries and half a world away. Thus began a life-long process of discovery and analysis. In many ways a labour of love, Goya charts the Spanish master's career, describing his entire painted and graphic oeuvre within its historical context. Containing lively biographical sketches of Goya's patrons and insightful analysis of his recurring themes, Hughes' book examines Goya's fierce pacifism and his reputation within his lifetime and after his death.
Read Less
Full of fine reproductions and insightful text, Hughes has written a superlative book of art history. Goya and his times come alive as the author interprets his paintings and prints within the context of the Inquisition and social turmoil in 18th century Spain.
Rooster
Apr 3, 2007
All you ever need to know about Goya
This is a wonderful book, full of life, humour, history and, of course, art. Hughes tells the story of Goya's fascinating life and the turbulent times in which the artist lived while illuminating Goya's works, many of which are illustrated in full colour in the book. It makes the reader want to pack and head off to Madrid, where the majority of Goya's beautiful paintings can be seen. But you don't have to be an art lover to enjoy this book .. it's a fine biography and glimpse into an interesting period in history. Highly readable and most enjoyable.