FOLLOWER OF FRANCISCO JOSÉ DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES (FUENDETODOS 1746-1828 BORDEAUX)
Portrait sketch of Maria Luisa de Parma
oil on canvas
94 x 67.5 cm

The present sketch executed during the 19th century and rendered with thin and transparent passages on an ochre ground, the handling is reminiscent of a study from life with darting fluid brushwork and coloured accents, revealing alternations and giving the work a sense of expression and movement.

Maria Luisa de Parma was the Queen consort of Spain and the wife of King Charles IV. She was also a patron of the arts and was painted by many notable artists of the time, including Francisco de Goya.

Goya was little known to operate a studio where he trained and employed other artists to produce works for him.
Some of the notable artists who are traditionally acknowledged as working within Goya's influence include his son Javier Goya, his grandson Mariano Goya, and Francisco Bayeu, who was married to Goya's sister-in-law. Goya's influence on these artists can be seen in their work, which often reflects Goya's bold use of light and dark, his dramatic compositions, and his attention to the human figure.

Goya painted several portraits of Maria Luisa de Parma, including the famous painting "La Familia de Carlos IV" (The Family of Charles IV), which features the Queen alongside her husband, children, and other members of the royal family.

Goya's portraits of Maria Luisa de Parma are notable for their delicate use of colour and light, which create a sense of intimacy and warmth. The Queen is often portrayed with a gentle smile and a relaxed posture, reflecting her reputation as a kind and gracious person.