The Two Majas
Francisco de Goya
(1746 - 1828)

It is undisputed that Goya, as crazy as he was, was also a great artist. He was not, however, as can be seen in the picture on the left, a premier fashion designer. One can only wonder why he titled the picture "Maja Clothed" when the clothes are so ugly.

Perhaps the reason for the Maja Clothed was Goya's embarrassment: The model was unaware the artist was portraying her nude. When she discovered the great deception, Goya hurriedly hid the nude version and quickly produced the clothed version. When she finally saw the nude version, the model was pleased and paid top peso for both pictures. Both pictures can be seen today in the Prado, Madrid.

Click on the pictures for larger images of these masterworks.


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