A VISUAL GUIDE THROUGH PRADO MUSEUM
THE FAMILY OF CARLOS IV
ROOM 032
Floor 1
Goya
You are looking at a guide about the gaze. In these paintings, the main idea is the human need to search for an identity. This is done so we can be seen and perceived by others. At the same time, these works show how a person’s public image and their real identity rarely match.
This specific painting, "The Family of Charles IV", shows us how the official image can begin to crumble. This happens when artists, instead of simply representing their subjects, begin to question reality.
Painting audio guide:
Audio made by Miguel Catalán highschool students Laura and Inés
Audio transcription:
"The title of this painting is The Family of Charles IV, painted by Francisco de Goya around the year 1800. It is an oil on canvas measuring 280 by 336 centimeters and is housed in the Prado Museum. The lighting in the painting is warm, coming from the left and covering the family in a lighting that makes them appear closer and more lifelike. The light cast shadows on the floor and create an atmosphere of dignity for the group portrait and helps to distinguish the different layers, volumes, and persons of the composition. Francisco de Goya was a Spanish painter and he was born in 1746 in Fuendetodos, Zaragoza. He is considered one of the most important artists in the Spanish history and he worked as a court painter for the kings Charles III and Charles IV, and painted many members of the royal family and the nobility. Goya was inspired by the painting of Las Meninas by Velázquez. During his life, his style of painting evolved and was ever-changing. The Queen stands at the center accompanied by the King, their children and other members of the royal family. Goya also includes himself in the background. And a curiosity of this painting is that the girl who is looking back is not showing her face because she doesn't have an identity and many art historians believe that she represents the future wife of the Prince Ferdinand."
Did you know that...
Curiosity 1
The official protagonist of this painting is King Charles IV, who stands slightly forward. However, Queen Maria Luisa is the one who catches our attention in the center. A curious detail is her strange facial expression: at 48 years old, she had already lost all her teeth after 24 pregnancies (10 of which were unsuccessful).
Curiosity 2
Prince Ferdinand, the heir to the throne, is another key figure. He shows his rebellious attitude by wearing his own short, powdered hair, while his father and uncle wear traditional wigs. He is also "competing" with his father to see who has their feet further forward. In the end, Ferdinand's foot is ahead of the King's, showing that he is the future of the Spanish monarchy.
Curiosity 3
Behind the mysterious woman (who experts believe represents Ferdinand's future wife) stands Maria Josefa, the King’s sister. You might notice a large brown spot on her face. This is not a natural birthmark; it is a beauty mark (a patch), which was popular at the time to cover scars caused by smallpox. Interestingly, by the time Goya painted this, that fashion was already out of style.
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