Portraiture in Goya and Moroni

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Giovanni Battista Moroni's "Gian Lodovico Madruzzo" and Francisco de Goya's "Portrait of General Jose Manuel Romero" exhibit a number of similarities and differences. It looks at how both paintings depict a similar type of subject in the same medium of oil on canvas as well as how, despite these similarities, the paintings are quite different in terms of style and the ways that the subject is shown. More specifically, the paper relates that Moroni attempts to show the personal side of his subject while still maintaining respectability. but Goya emphasizes the military and social role of his subject by minimizing his subject's surroundings and maximizing the subject's image within the framed portrait.

From the Paper:

"The posing of each figure is also important and is closely related to their placement. The long robes of Moroni's subject are most effective in a standing subject. Here, he poses without implied action of any sort, allowing the long lines of the robe fabric drape naturally around his person. His hands are visible, with his left hand pointing slightly to extend the lines of his arm, again lengthening him within the canvas. Much of the positioning of the subject is done to improve his image within the painting. Much more simply, Goya's subject stands in a formal military pose with his right hand tucked into his sash. This very clear and simple pose does well to again emphasize Goya's ambivalence toward his subject as he attempts to paint him as he truly appears. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bohm-Duchen, Monica. The Private Life of a Masterpiece. Berkely, CA: University of California Press, 2001.
• "Gian Lodovico Madruzzo." Insecula. 2007. 24 May 2007 <http://www.insecula.com/us/oeuvre/O0027716.html>.
• "Giovanni Battista Moroni." New Advent. 2007. 24 May 2007 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10576b.htm>.
• Stokstad, Marilyn. Art History. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, 2005.

More papers on Portraiture in Goya and Moroni:

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• Analytical Essay # 129441 : "Goya and Delacroix's Romantic Pictures and Political Messages"
• Comparison Essay # 69393 : "In-groups and Out-groups"

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