Retrato De Goya 1828

Rosario Weiss Zorrilla, a Spanish artist, made this drawing of Goya with graphite on paper sometime in the early 19th century. The portrait presents a study of the aging Goya. Weiss Zorrilla's life is a testament to the limitations placed on women artists of her time. As Goya’s ward, she was given exceptional artistic training within his studio. Her talent was evident, yet her career was hampered by social norms. Despite these challenges, she became the first woman to be named an official court painter. This drawing serves as a fascinating document. It invites us to consider the role of mentorship and the complex social structures that either support or constrain artistic talent. Investigating artists' biographies and the archives of institutions of art provides critical insights into understanding the social conditions of artistic production.