On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02548
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Spanish)
- Title
- Industry
- Chronology
- 1804-1806
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- Diametro 227 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- DEPOSITO
- Procedence
- Ministry of the Navy, 1932
Two young women spin at their
wheels in the workshop of a
tapestry factory, recalling
Velasquez's Tapestry Weavers
(P1173). Goya interprets the scene
as an allegory of Industry, in
which young women work with
enthusiasm and energy. The shadowy
old women in the background may be
the Fates of Classical Mythology,
who weave and cut the threads of
life.
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
