The Architect Ventura Rodriguez
1784
Ventura Rodríguez points proudly at his architectural blueprints, looking every bit the confident 'starchitect' of 18th-century Spain. Painted by a young Francisco de Goya in 1784, this portrait was a crucial stepping stone that helped Goya break into the royal court. You can see the transition in style here; while the powdered wig and green coat are pure Neoclassical fashion, Goya’s loose, expressive brushwork on the face hints at the Romantic revolution he would soon lead. It’s a fascinating snapshot of a master architect being immortalized by a master painter just before he became famous himself.
Location: Museo del Prado, Madrid
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