Goya inspired by Velazquez

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Goya had the title of painter of the King of Spain (pintor del rey). It is therefore not surprising that he made some portraits of Charles IV ... and also of the lover of the queen.

Having come to power through the bed of the queen, Don Manuel Godoy became the strongman of the regime, with the title and functions of prime minister.

Sotheby's is selling in London on July 8 an equestrian portrait of Godoy by Goya. The design follows the portrait of Philip IV by Velazquez, with the animal slightly standing like for greeting. Details of the uniform and orders of the rider can assign a precise date on the work: 1794.

It is a small painting, 55 x 45 cm, probably preparing for a monumental work which was not performed. The rarity of the composition in Goya's work, the care taken for the painting and such a tribute to Velazquez justify the estimated £ 2.5 million.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

£ 2.6 million including expenses, just below the estimate. It is not so bad, finally, for this small painting a bit too serious to be a major Goya.