Born in 1746 in Aragón, Francisco De Goya became an artist's apprentice aged 14 before heading off to the bright lights of Madrid in 1764. Several years in Madrid and one year in Italy gave him the opportunity to meet many great masters who were to influence his future artistic career. Goya got his first commissions frescoing the walls of many Madrid churches. Once the 1780's arrived he came into his own producing a series of spectacular tapestry cartoons which were immensely popular. The end of this decade saw him appointed as court painter to King Carlos IV.
In his early years Francisco Goya was influenced by Francisco Bayeu, who worked as a court artist when young Goya arrived in Madrid. He also found great inspiration in the works of seventeenth century greats Rembrandt and Velázquez.
His art also significantly changed when, after a serious illness, he became completely deaf.
In his early years Francisco Goya was influenced by Francisco Bayeu, who worked as a court artist when young Goya arrived in Madrid. He also found great inspiration in the works of seventeenth century greats Rembrandt and Velázquez.
His art also significantly changed when, after a serious illness, he became completely deaf.