Charles IV of Spain and His Family
Francisco Goya · 1800
Why it's great
Goya painted the royal family of Spain standing in a stiff row, dressed in their grandest clothes. But look closer: the faces look ordinary, even a bit unflattering, and Goya himself is peeking from the back left, just as Velázquez did in 'Las Meninas'. He painted the royals with surprising honesty. It's admired for its sparkling fabrics and for its clever, daring truthfulness.
Where to see it
📍 Museo del PradoMadrid, Spain
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Francisco Goya was born in a small village in Spain and became the court painter to the Spanish kings in Madrid. After an illness left him deaf in his forties, his art grew darker and more personal. He witnessed war and cruelty and made powerful pictures about it. He spent his last years in Bordeaux, France, and is seen as a bridge between old masters and modern art.
