Reference number
P00739
Author
Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de
Title
The Duke and Duchess of Osuna and their Children
Chronology
1787-1788
Technique
Óleo
Support
Lienzo
Measures
225 cm x 174 cm
School
Española
Theme
Retrato
On display
Yes
Procedence
Donation by the Duke of Tamames and other heirs to the Duke of Osuna, 1897

A portrait of the Duke of Osuna, Pedro Téllez Girón (1755-1807); his wife, the Countess-Duchess of Benavente, Josefa Alonso de Pimentel (1752-1834) and their four children: Francisco de Borja (1785-1820), the following Duke of Osuna; Pedro de Alcántara (1786-1851), the future Prince of Anglona; Maria Manuela (1783-1838) and Joaquina (1784-1851), the future Marchioness of Santa Cruz.

As exemplary enlightened aristocrats of their time, the Duke and Duchess of Osuna were among Goya's first protectors. Their closeness to the painter is clear in how intimately each is portrayed, with a perfect of individualization of each personality within the family group. The painter uses grayish and greenish tones with a light, subtle and precise technique, masterfully rendering the fabrics, lace and objects.

Family portraits were practically unknown in Spain when this one was made, and it is thought that Goya make have drawn his compositional models from Flemish or English examples.

Room 34

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