The artwork “Duchess of Alba” is a distinguished oil on canvas portrait painted by the renowned artist Francisco Goya in 1797. Emblematic of the Romanticism art movement, the artwork measures 210 cm by 148 cm. It depicts the noble figure of the Duchess and exudes the genre’s characteristic depth and complexity. This significant work is housed at the Hispanic Society of America, located in New York City, NY, United States.
The portrait displays a full-length depiction of the Duchess, standing with a confident posture against a landscape backdrop. The romantic influence is perceivable in the brushwork’s expressiveness and the intense emotion captured in her bearing and gaze. She is dressed in a sumptuous black gown with intricate lace and embellishment; adornments and rich colors accent her attire, particularly the vibrant red sash around her waist and the golden accents that catch the light. Her facial expression suggests a certain aristocratic aloofness and pride, characteristics befitting her status. The landscape in the background is rendered in soft tones and loose brushstrokes which contrast with the detailed treatment of her figure and clothing – a hallmark of Goya’s mastery in reflecting both the inner character and outer appearance of his subjects.
