Masters of Spain: Goya and Picasso

The exhibit “Masters of Spain: Goya and Picasso” brings a rare showcase of work by two of the greatest Spanish painters of all time.

Both considered masters in their respective centuries, Goya was the most famous Spanish painter of the nineteenth century and Picasso of the twentieth. Masters of Spain: Goya and Picasso presents the two artists who defined Spanish-made art for nearly two hundred years side by side and in important visual dialogue with one another.

With instantly recognizable styles, subject matters and techniques that inspire artists to this day, Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828) and Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) form an interesting pair. While Goya made his name in Spain proper, initially as the First Court Painter of King Charles IV, Picasso became famous abroad in France. Both lived very long lives —82 and 91 years respectively— allowing them to see their worlds transform around them during rapidly changing eras in Europe, ones steeped in innovation, conflict, and cultural brilliance. And to be certain, Goya’s legacy as the outgoing Spanish art star was felt strongly by Picasso as he strove to take up that mantle.