Boys With Mastiff 1786

Francisco Goya painted "Boys With Mastiff" in Spain, though its exact date remains unknown. It presents a somewhat unsettling image of childhood, as two boys in brightly colored clothes restrain a large mastiff with a heavy collar. Goya was a court painter, and this painting was likely intended as a tapestry cartoon, a design for a large wall hanging in the royal palace. Tapestries often depicted scenes of everyday life, but Goya frequently imbued his with social commentary. Here, the boys’ domination over the animal can be interpreted as a metaphor for social power, a theme Goya explored throughout his career. The painting’s ambiguity invites questions about the nature of control and the responsibilities that come with it. To fully appreciate Goya's art, one might consult letters, historical records, and studies of Spanish society. Understanding the tapestry tradition, the social role of the monarchy, and Goya’s personal history can offer a deeper insight into his work.