The Parasol - Francisco Goya

A classic Rococo genre scene by Francisco Goya, depicting a fashionable young woman and her companion in a lighthearted outdoor setting.

Painted in 1777, The Parasol is one of the cartoons Goya produced for the Royal Tapestry Factory of Santa Barbara. These works were intended as models for tapestries to decorate the dining room of the Prince and Princess of Asturias at the El Pardo Palace. The scene depicts a young woman, dressed in the fashionable French style of the period, seated on a grassy bank. A man stands behind her, holding a large green parasol to shield her from the sun.

The composition reflects the lighthearted, decorative nature of the Rococo style, which was popular in the Spanish court at the time. Goya employs a bright palette, focusing on the contrast between the woman's blue bodice, yellow skirt, and the vivid green of the parasol. The inclusion of a small dog resting on her lap adds a touch of domestic intimacy to the outdoor setting. The background features a simple wall and a sparse tree, which directs the viewer's attention to the two figures.

Unlike his later, darker works, this painting captures a moment of leisure and social grace. The figures are dressed as 'majos', members of the lower classes who adopted a distinct, fashionable style of dress. This choice of subject matter was common in Goya's early career, as he sought to appeal to the tastes of the royal family. The painting is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. It remains a clear example of Goya's technical skill in handling light and colour during his early years in the Spanish capital.