Autorretrato II Francisco Jose De Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828)

The portrait presents a man facing directly toward the viewer, occupying nearly the entire frame. He is depicted from the chest upwards, with his head turned slightly to his left. The background is dark and indistinct, contributing to a sense of isolation and focusing attention entirely on the subject’s face and upper torso.
Here we see a figure characterized by a fleshy build and a somewhat melancholic expression. His gaze is direct but not engaging; it conveys an impression of introspection or perhaps even weariness. The artist has rendered his features with a degree of realism, highlighting subtle asymmetries in the face – a slightly downturned mouth, a furrowed brow – that contribute to the overall feeling of quiet contemplation.
The man’s attire is simple: a dark jacket over what appears to be a red shirt or tunic. A single button fastens at his chest, and a glimpse of a white collar can be seen beneath the jackets open neckline. The color palette is restrained, dominated by browns, blacks, and reds, which further enhance the somber mood.
The brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly in the rendering of the hair, which seems almost unkempt. This technique lends a sense of immediacy to the portrait, as if it were captured quickly and spontaneously. The lighting is uneven; it illuminates the face from an unseen source, casting shadows that accentuate the contours of his features and adding depth to the composition.
Subtly, there’s a vulnerability conveyed through the subjects posture and expression. It suggests a self-awareness beyond mere physical representation – a probing into inner states. The lack of any surrounding context or symbolic objects reinforces this sense of personal introspection; it is not a portrait intended to convey status or achievement but rather an exploration of identity itself.