Francisco Goya is the Spanish artist who best represents the bridge between tradition and avant-garde art. His life, caught between the Enlightenment of Charles III and the absolutism of Ferdinand VII—with the arrival of Spain’s first Constitution and a devastating war in the middle—serves as a mirror in which we can reflect and understand a fascinating period of history. His personal stories are deeply intertwined with his art, and discovering it a private tour about Goya in Madrid is a wonderful way to learn about society, politics, and the human experience of his time.
Goya was an unstoppable force. Except for periods of illness, nothing could halt his creative drive. From the moment he began his artistic training at the age of 13 in the workshop of José Luzán in Zaragoza, until his death in Bordeaux at 82, he was always in motion: imagining, drawing, and painting.
The Prado Museum houses over 1,200 works by Goya: paintings, prints, drawings, sketchbooks, and 118 letters exchanged with his best friend, Martín Zapater. Although not all are on display, the Prado is undoubtedly the best place in the world to fully immerse yourself in the genius of Goya.
In this full two-hour private tour, you will explore 58 years of Goya’s artistic creation:
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20 years of designs for the Royal Tapestry Factory
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Works for the Spanish crown as a court painter in Madrid (The Naked Maja is among them)
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Later depictions of war, hunger, and despair in the early 19th century
You will meet not only the royal family of Charles IV—who, of course, never missed a party—but also the artists and patrons of the Madrid court who helped Goya become the legend he is today. Figures with grand names such as Anton Raphael Mengs or the Ducchess of Osuna will become companions on our journey through the Prado.
If what fascinates you most is technique and artistic process, this tour is a fantastic opportunity to explore Goya’s creative methods in a fun, engaging, and approachable way, with supplementary images and simple explanations.
1. Tapestry cartoons
We will begin in the tapestry rooms, where Goya provides a window into 18th-century Spanish society: people dressed in the height of fashion and luxury, pastoral landscapes, hunting scenes, arranged marriages, and even child labor.
2. The Court of Charles IV
Next, we travel to the Madrid court of Charles IV, full of love affairs, drama, betrayal, and intrigue. The political scene was fascinating, and you will meet its protagonists with me as your guide. We will also explore the mystery behind one of the most famous nudes in art history: the celebrated Naked Maja and her shy twin, The Clothed Maja.
3. War and the Third of May
Then, we delve into Spain’s War of Independence against Napoleon, exploring poignant works like The Third of May 1808—Los Fusilamientos—bringing history to life before your eyes.
4. The Black Paintings
Finally, we will explore Goya’s Black Paintings, dark and profoundly meaningful murals painted directly onto the walls of his home at age 73, shortly before his exile to Bordeaux.
This tour is not just about seeing Goya’s masterpieces; it is about understanding the artist, his techniques, and the world he lived in.
You will learn how Goya approached his art: the materials he chose, his brushwork, his composition, and the innovations that made him a bridge between tradition and modernity. From his playful tapestry designs to the haunting intensity of the Black Paintings, you will see how his artistic choices reflect both his personal life and the turbulent times he lived in.
But this tour goes beyond technique. As we explore Goya’s work, you will also gain insight into Spanish history and society: you will see how political events, societal changes, and personal experiences influenced the themes and emotions in his paintings.
This tour is perfect for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike. Whether it’s the drama of the royal court, the vivid depiction of everyday life, or the psychological depth of his later works, you will leave with a richer understanding of Goya, his art, and the Spain he inhabited.
