The Threshing Floor
1786-1787
Before Francisco de Goya became famous for his dark, haunting nightmares, he was busy painting cheerful, sun-drenched scenes of everyday Spanish life for the royal family. In this lively composition, peasants take a well-deserved break from the grueling harvest, lounging against massive haystacks, sharing drinks, and watching children playfully climb to the top. A tiny white foal rests peacefully in the foreground, adding a touch of gentle charm to the bustling rural tableau. Originally designed as a cartoon for a royal tapestry, this piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the idealized countryside that King Charles III wanted to decorate his palace with, long before Goya's style took a much darker turn.
Location: Museo del Prado