On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02546
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Spanish)
- Title
- Commerce
- Chronology
- 1804-1806
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- Diametro 227 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- DEPOSITO
- Procedence
- Ministry of the Navy, 1932
Two Eastern merchants go over their
accounts, leaning over a table
illuminated by light flooding
through a window on the left of the
composition. Under their plank
table are two full sacks. Two women
read a book in the background and
in the foreground is a bird, the
traditional symbol of trust and
loyalty in commercial
relations.
This work was commissioned by
Manuel Godoy (1767-1851), prince of
Peace and Prime Minister to King
Carlos IV (1748-1851). It was
designed to decorate the large
monumental stairs at his recently
restored palace. This is part of a
group of four tondos with
allegorical subject matter. the
other three are Science (now lost),
Agriculture (P2547) and Industry
(P2548), which are also at the
Prado Museum. The choice of these
subjects has been interpreted as an
effort on Godoy's part to present
himself as the quintessential
enlightened politician who fosters
the development of the country he
governs by favoring the development
of science and its most important
applications, according to the
symbols of the economic societies
of the Enlightenment.
This composition is distorted so
that the pieces can be seen
correctly from below when it is
hung at some height. It's technique
is surprising in its rapidity and
its strong, rapid brushstrokes.
Location on the map
