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Primary sourcePaintingc. 1790-1795

Self-Portrait in the Studio

Francisco Goya · c. 1790-1795

An early self-portrait by Goya showing himself at the easel, wearing his candle-fitted painting hat.

Goya painted this image of himself at work, presenting his own artistic identity and working methods.

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Painting of a man in a black top hat and dark coat with red trim, holding a palette and brush at a canvas in a studio with a large window behind him. A small table with objects stands to the left.
Francisco Goya, Self-Portrait in the Studio, c. 1790-1795. Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, Madrid.

About this source

What it is

This small cabinet-format self-portrait was painted by Francisco Goya between about 1790 and 1795, and is held at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. It shows Goya standing at his easel, palette and brush in hand, before a large bright window.

Why it matters

Art historians read this painting as a statement about the Romantic idea of the artist: Goya does not look at his canvas, suggesting his work comes from inspiration rather than careful observation. He wears his unusual hat fitted with candles, used for painting at night, turning himself into an almost heroic figure of creative imagination rather than a simple craftsman.

Look closer

  • Why might Goya show himself not looking at the canvas he is painting?
  • What does the strange hat with candles tell you about how and when Goya worked?
  • How does the lighting in the painting create a particular mood or message?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Francisco Goya on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Primary source

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