Retrato De Goya 1826

This portrait of Goya was made in 1826 by Rosario Weiss Zorrilla, who was only twelve years old at the time. Weiss, who was Goya’s ward, uses charcoal to capture the famous artist in profile. Rosario Weiss occupied a complex position in society. As an illegitimate child, her early life was marked by social stigma, yet she was also given extraordinary access to artistic training due to her connection to Goya, one of the most celebrated artists of his time. While Goya paved the way, he was also a difficult figure to escape from under. There is an argument here for the push and pull of the patriarchy, offering opportunity, while simultaneously overshadowing it. The portrait, created during a period of political turbulence in Spain, hints at Goya’s weary skepticism. Weiss not only captures Goya's likeness but also something of his spirit, forging her own path as an artist while honoring her mentor.