August 12, 2010

Miniatures Thursday: Another Artist Comes to Life in Miniature - Francisco Goya



IGMA Artisan Lucie Winsky, whose incredible miniature portrait dolls have been featured here before (put art in miniature or her name in the search box in lower right column), recently completed another amazing figure.

This time, for a special commission, she's brought artist Francisco Goya to life, inspired by the dark movie, GOYA'S GHOSTS, set during the Spanish Inquisition.

Goya, (born 1746, died 1828) was a bridge between the old masters and the new "modern" style of painting. His portraits were favored by royalty, including King Carlos III, and Charles IV, for whom he worked as court painter.

Lucie based her figure on Goya's self-portrait, "Self Portrait in the Studio," also known as "Self Portrait with Easel" painted in the early 1790s.

The 16 1/2 x 11" oil on canvas is at the Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes, Madrid.

What's interesting is how Lucie seemed to match the features on Goya's face in the portrait! I thought the candles were an amazing addition, too, (as inspired by the movie. I've never seen this movie and am intrigued!) Fantastico!



About Goya's Ghosts:

Academy Award® nominees Natalie Portman and Javier Bardem star in a thrilling romantic drama by two-time Academy Award® winning director Milos Forman. The historical epic, GOYA'S GHOSTS, is told through the eyes of celebrated Spanish painter Francisco Goya (Skarsgard).

Set at the end of the Spanish Inquisition and start of the invasion of Spain by Napoleon's army, the film captures the essence and beauty of Goya's work which is best known for both the colorful depictions of the royal court and its people, and his grim depictions of the brutality of war and life in 18th century Spain.

When his muse (Portman) is accused of being a heretic, renowned painter Francisco Goya (Skarsgard) must convince his old friend Lorenzo (Bardem), a power-hungry monk and leader of the Spanish Inquisition, to spare her life.


1 comment:

Katie said...

That is a neat doll! And the movie is really good! At least I thought so......I got it from the library! You wouldn't believe the collection of movies our library has! Yours might to:)

Mini hugs!!