Goya: Visions of Flesh and Blood

Francisco Goya, Spain's most celebrated artist and a pioneer of modern art, is the focus of a groundbreaking exhibition at the National Gallery in London. This film explores his remarkable life, drawing on extensive location footage, Goya's revealing letters, and a unique collection of masterpieces from renowned global collections.

Influenced by Rembrandt and Velázquez, Goya introduced a new level of realism to portraiture, portraying his subjects without flattery and unafraid to reveal their physical and psychological traits. His unflinching approach didn't deter powerful figures from seeking his talent, and he received major commissions from royalty, aristocrats, politicians, and close acquaintances who wanted to be immortalized by the best artist of their time.

Goya's ability to capture rapid changes in expression, gesture, and emotion, coupled with his powerful vision and technical brilliance, cements his place as one of the world's most admired and revered artists, ranking among the greatest painters in history. This film delves into the colorful world he depicted, using the National Gallery's landmark exhibition as a focal point.