Francisco Goya
Serving as the court painter for the Spanish king, Francisco de Goya created tapestry designs for the royal estates, destined for production in the monarch's tapestry factory. Goya began with small oil sketches to refine his ideas, then crafted large-scale painted cartoons that the tapestry weavers used as blueprints. This particular cartoon was part of a series meant to adorn the dining room of the Prince of Asturias, located in the Palace of El Pardo, just outside of Madrid. The main panels of the room featured the traditional motif of the Four Seasons. Goya let his creativity flow in the smaller panels above the doors, however, coming up with playful depictions of children and animals like the one today.
Adorable, isn't it?
P.S. Not many people know Goya created works in a Rococo style. These early paintings were so different from the dark art he was so famous for. But he created over 60 of them! Explore Goya's tapestry designs!