Goya The Duchess of Osuna 1785

The Duchess of Osuna Oil on canvas in Private Collection 

The oil painting of the Duchess of Osuna, the beautiful quality of the portrait of the Duchess, with the rich harmony of it's colours, could deservedly take its place among the most outstanding of Goya's female Portraits, Which as a series constitute one of the artist's finest achievements. It seems in this case that the Duchess's captivating personality, clearly described in contemporary accounts,Succeeded in breaking down the barrier of inhibitions that seem to have hampered the painter's natural spontaneity when confronted with sitters of high station.