Which Spanish painter is known for 'La Maja Desnuda' and '3rd of May 1808'?

Which Spanish painter is known for 'La Maja Desnuda' and '3rd of May 1808'?

• A. Velázquez
• B. El Greco
• C. Goya
• D. Picasso

Answer: (C)

These two famous works are by Francisco Goya, whose career spans intimate portraits and powerful social commentary. La Maja Desnuda, painted around 1800, is a direct, unidealized nude that challenges conventional notions of modesty and shows Goya’s fearless, human-centered approach to portraiture. The Third of May 1808, completed later, is a dramatic war scene that uses stark light and expressive figures to convey horror and moral outrage at violence against civilians. Together, they illustrate how Goya moved Spanish art toward modern expression, blending personal vision with urgent social themes. Velázquez and El Greco belong to earlier Spanish traditions with different styles and subjects, while Picasso, though Spanish, comes from a later era and is known for different iconic works.

These two famous works are by Francisco Goya, whose career spans intimate portraits and powerful social commentary. La Maja Desnuda, painted around 1800, is a direct, unidealized nude that challenges conventional notions of modesty and shows Goya’s fearless, human-centered approach to portraiture. The Third of May 1808, completed later, is a dramatic war scene that uses stark light and expressive figures to convey horror and moral outrage at violence against civilians. Together, they illustrate how Goya moved Spanish art toward modern expression, blending personal vision with urgent social themes. Velázquez and El Greco belong to earlier Spanish traditions with different styles and subjects, while Picasso, though Spanish, comes from a later era and is known for different iconic works.