On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02898
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Spanish)
- Title
- Juan Bautista de Muguiro
- Chronology
- 1827
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 103 cm x 85 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- LEGADO
- Procedence
- Legacy of the Count of Muguiro, 1946
Holding a letter in his hand, Juan
Bautista Muguiro sits beside his
desk, on which an inkwell is
visible. This representation exalts
his stature as a banker taking care
of his business. An inscription
mentions that the painting was made
by Goya in May, 1827, in Bordeaux,
when he was eighty-one. As the
painter died in April 1828, this
may well be his last known
work.
There are some differences with his
earlier works. The sure
brushstrokes of his youth had
lasted until his first years of old
age; here, the sureness is broken,
it trembles or becomes impalpable
as a result of his advanced age and
illness. Nevertheless, his
technique is very elaborate, almost
miniaturist, in the face and hands.
The mixture of colors in the short
and juicy brushstrokes reveal
Goya's march toward modernity, even
in his final painting.
Muguiro's liberal condition is
present in the canvas with all the
intensity of a real physical
presence, and Goya reveals the
tranquility, firm spirit and
idealism of this character exiled
for his political ideas.
Location on the map
