Naraku
Draconarius
The next subject in Crux University's Art Appreciation 101, is The Nude Maja (La maja desnuda) by Francisco Goya.
The painting is notable for being a contemporary nude; as opposed to one in an historical or mythological setting; as well as the direct, unabashed gaze of the model and the slight hint of pubic hair between her legs.
The painting is believed to have be commissioned some time before 1800 by Manuel de Godoy, the notorious Spanish Prime Minister, along with a nearly identical clothed version, The Clothed Maja (La maja vestida).
Godoy is reported to have displayed the clothed version in the public areas of his home, while the nude version was kept in his private collection, along with other nude paintings. Today, the two are displayed side-by-side at the Prada Museum in Madrid.
As for who she was, there are two possibilities.
One, the most likely, is Josefa de Tudo' y Catalan, Countess of Castillo Fiel, known as Pepita Tudo', who was Godoy mistress and about 20 at the time (Godoy was about 33).
(Painting by Jose de Madrazo)
Another, less likely model is Maria del Pilar Teresa Cayetana de Silva y Silva-Bazan, Duchess of Alba, reputed to have been Goya's mistress. She would have been about 38 at the time.
(painting by Goya)
Whoever she was, she has been honored with a Spanish postage stamp.
The painting is notable for being a contemporary nude; as opposed to one in an historical or mythological setting; as well as the direct, unabashed gaze of the model and the slight hint of pubic hair between her legs.
The painting is believed to have be commissioned some time before 1800 by Manuel de Godoy, the notorious Spanish Prime Minister, along with a nearly identical clothed version, The Clothed Maja (La maja vestida).
Godoy is reported to have displayed the clothed version in the public areas of his home, while the nude version was kept in his private collection, along with other nude paintings. Today, the two are displayed side-by-side at the Prada Museum in Madrid.
As for who she was, there are two possibilities.
One, the most likely, is Josefa de Tudo' y Catalan, Countess of Castillo Fiel, known as Pepita Tudo', who was Godoy mistress and about 20 at the time (Godoy was about 33).
(Painting by Jose de Madrazo)
Another, less likely model is Maria del Pilar Teresa Cayetana de Silva y Silva-Bazan, Duchess of Alba, reputed to have been Goya's mistress. She would have been about 38 at the time.
(painting by Goya)
Whoever she was, she has been honored with a Spanish postage stamp.