Francisco de Goya was a Spanish painter and printmaker who lived from 1746 to 1828. He is considered one of the most important artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and his work had a profound influence on the development of modern art. Goya began his artistic career as a painter of portraits and religious works, but he soon became known for his skillful use of light and shadow, as well as his bold, unconventional compositions.

Goya’s work is marked by its emotional intensity and its critical engagement with the social and political issues of his time. He was deeply influenced by the Enlightenment, and his works often reflect a skepticism towards religious and political authority. Some of his most famous works include “The Third of May 1808,” which depicts the execution of Spanish citizens by French soldiers, and “The Black Paintings,” a series of murals that he painted on the walls of his home in Madrid towards the end of his life.

Goya’s legacy has endured through the centuries, and his works continue to inspire and challenge viewers with their raw emotion and incisive social commentary. He is now considered one of the most important painters in the history of Western art, and his influence can be seen in the work of many later artists, including the Impressionists and Expressionists.