An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zuñiga (1784–1792)Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes)
Spanish, Fuendetodos 1746–1828 Bordeaux
1787–88
50 x 40 in. (127 x 101.6 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
The Jules Bache Collection, 1949
In Francisco de Goya's portrait of Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zuñiga, we enter a world shaped by innocence and curiosity. The young boy stands confidently in a vibrant red outfit, which draws our attention to his delicate features and sweet expression.
Surrounding him are curious animals—a magpie, a cat, and an owl—each symbolizing different traits. The magpie, known for collecting shiny objects, hints at the boy's youthful curiosity and desire to explore the world. The cat, often associated with independence, could speak to the boy’s growing sense of self. The wise owl, a symbol of knowledge, suggests the potential for learning that lies ahead as he matures.
In the background, a lavish birdcage holds even more creatures, representing a world of wonder but also confinement. This contrast invites viewers to reflect on the balance between freedom and restraint in life. Goya’s masterful use of light showcases the boy as the central figure, almost glowing against the muted tones surrounding him, further emphasizing his significance in the scene.
Overall, this portrait captures a fleeting moment of childhood, inviting us to ponder the complexities and nuances of growing up, while highlighting Goya’s ability to blend realism with deeper meanings through his art.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
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