Juan de Villanueva

Juan de Villanueva (Madrid, 1739-1811) was a well-known architect, and a leading exponent of neoclassical architecture. His most important work was the Natural History Museum, which became the Prado Museum in 1814.

Goya painted his portrait in the final years of his life.

The subject is sitting before a neutral background, in front of a table on which plans of his various projects are laid out. He is holding one of them in his hands and gives the impression of addressing himself directly to the viewer, about to explain the project to us. He is wearing the uniform of academician of the Royal Academy of San Fernando: a dark blue dress coat and a red waistcoat. The sideways slanting light illuminates his face, bringing into focus his wrinkles and letting us see his gaze, still alert and vivid, and the faint smile crossing his lips.

Gudiol draws our attention to the fact that Goya leaves this painting with a half-finished quality, allowing the brushstrokes to be recognised for what they are, without providing smooth finishes, but rather giving a clearly identifiable tactile quality.