Francisco De Goya y Lucientes (b. March 30, 1746, Fuendetodos,
Spain--d. April 16, 1828, Bordeaux, Fr.), consummately Spanish
artist whose multifarious paintings, drawings, and engravings
reflected contemporary historical upheavals and influenced
important 19th- and 20th-century painters. Like Velazquez, Goya
was a Spanish court painter whose best work was done apart from
his official duties. He is known for his scenes of violence,
especially those prompted by the French invasion of Spain. The
series of etchings Los desastres de la guerra ("The Disasters of
War", 1810-14) records the horrors of the Napoleonic invasion.
His masterpieces in painting include The Naked Maja and The
Clothed Maja (c. 1800-05). He also painted charming portraits
such as Senora Sabasa Garcia. For the bold technique of his
paintings, the haunting satire of his etchings, and his belief
that the artist's vision is more important than tradition, Goya
is often called "the first of the moderns." His uncompromising
portrayal of his times ma