Francisco Goya
This painting seems a very light-hearted subject for Goya (1746–1828), but perhaps this is because it is a tapestry cartoon (a painting designed to be woven) and is one of 63 such cartoons produced as commissions under two consecutive Kings of Spain (Charles III and Charles IV) between 1775 and 1791. This one, La Cometa (The Kite), depicts a social gathering of a group of young men and women. Four central figures pay their attention to flying the kite, while the other people in the group pay far more attention to each other (except for the young man sitting in the foreground having a casual cigarette). The dog in the foreground on the right looks about as perplexed as a dog can be!
This tapestry was intended for the dining room of the heirs to the Spanish throne (the Prince and Princess of Asturias) at El Escorial, the historical residence of the monarch.
- Sarah Mills
P.S. The mysterious Pinturas Negras reveal Goya’s darkest secrets; get to know more here!
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