On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00736
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Spanish)
- Title
- General José de Urrutia
- Chronology
- Ca. 1798
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 199 cm x 133 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COMPRA
- Procedence
- Acquisition, 1896
Don José de Urrutria y de las Casas
(1739-1809), was the only soldier
of his day to reach the rank of
Field Marshal without being a
titled nobleman. He is shown
wearing the Cross of Saint George
which he received from Catharine of
Russia for his actions at the siege
of Ozaku (Crimea) in 1789. In 1798
he was removed from all public
office due to differences with
Manuel Godoy.
This portrait is one of the most
penetrating psychological studies
painted by Goya in his maturity. It
was commissioned by the Duke and
Duchess of Osuna and recalls works
by Reynolds and other English
portrait painters, whose work Goya
probably knew through prints. Goya
brings out the external symbols of
his condition as a sodier —his
uniform, decorations, staff and
sword— but he also delves into the
general's personality and
psychology, full of dignity,
hardness, decisiveness and a
certain reserve.
The work is signed on a stone in
the lower right corner.
Location on the map
