Description
The painting Asmodea by Francisco De Goya Y Lucientes is undoubtedly a masterpiece of 18th century Spanish art. This work, with an original size of 123 x 265 cm, represents a scene from the Commedia dell'Arte, in which the character of Asmodeo, the king of demons, appears in the center of the composition surrounded by other characters.
Goya's artistic style in this work is distinctly Baroque, with great attention to detail and a rich color palette. The composition is complex and dynamic, with the characters arranged in different planes and with a great variety of gestures and facial expressions.
Color is another interesting aspect of the Asmodean painting. Goya uses a range of warm, vibrant tones, including red, yellow, and orange, to create a sense of warmth and energy in the scene. However, there are also some cooler tones, such as blue and green, which help balance the composition and create a sense of depth.
The history of the painting is also fascinating. The work was commissioned by the Count of Floridablanca, the Prime Minister of King Carlos III of Spain, to decorate his palace in Murcia. However, the work never reached its destination and was sold to a private collector. Later, it was acquired by the Prado Museum in Madrid, where it is currently located.
Finally, there are some little-known aspects of the Asmodean painting that are worth mentioning. For example, it is believed that Goya was inspired by a print by Jacques Callot to create the figure of Asmodeo. In addition, some experts have suggested that the work has a strong political charge, reflecting the tension between royal power and the interests of the Spanish nobility in the time of Carlos III. In any case, the painting Asmodea remains one of the most fascinating and enigmatic works of Goya's career.