Self-Portrait in a Cocked Hat
ca. 1790
Francisco de Goya captures himself here with a striking, almost defiant gaze, sporting a massive cocked hat that dominates the composition. Created around 1790, this drawing showcases his mastery of quick, energetic pen strokes to build texture and shadow. The artist looks directly at us, his face dotted with stippling that gives it a rough, realistic texture, while his hair is tied back in a queue. It's a fascinating glimpse into how one of Spain's greatest masters saw himself—not as a polished aristocrat, but as a rugged, intense individual. This self-portrait predates his later, darker works, showing the confident artist before tragedy struck his life and art.
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