Goya self-portrait ca 1773

Goya 1746-1828

The remarkable Self-Portrait illustrates the painter's mastery at the age of about twenty-seven.

A number of versions of the painting exist.

It is the first of a series of self-portraits that continues throughout his career, recording truthfully and impassively the gradual transformation of his physiognomy.

The portrait is charged with energy and indicates an early physical maturity.

The occasion for this portrait was probably Goya's marriage to Francisco Bayeu's sister, Josefa.

The marriage took place in Madrid on 25th july 1773.