On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02447
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Spanish)
- Title
- María Antonia Gonzaga, Marchioness widow of Villafranca
- Chronology
- 1795
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 87 cm x 72 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- LEGADO
- Procedence
- Legado conde de Niebla
A more than half-length portrait of
María Antonia Gonzaga (1735-1801),
the Marchioness widow of
Villafranca. She appears seated,
with a dark dress, a blue ribbon in
her hear, and another large blue
ribbon and a rose pinned to the
white shawl on her shoulders.
The Marchioness, who belonged to
one of the most aristocratic
families of Spanish nobility, was
widowed in 1773 upon the death of
Antonio Álvarez de Toledo, XI
Marquise of the Villafranca. She
was the mother of José Álvarez de
Toledo, XI Marquis of the same
title, who married María Teresa de
Silva, Duchess of Alba.
In this masterful portrait, Goya
captures perfectly both the small
and fragile body of Maria Antonia
Gonzaga and her strong character,
especially present in her fixed and
decisive gaze.
Goya's portrait of her son, José
Álvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba, XI
Marquis of Villafranca (P2449), is
also in the Prado Museum
collection.
Location on the map
