2 and 3. The Madhouse.
Academia de San Fernando, Madrid, and copy in the collection of Don A. de Beruete, Madrid.
4. ‘La Maja Vestida’ and ‘La Maja Denuda.’
The two famous pictures in the Academy of San Fernando at Madrid are regarded as portraying a favourite of Manuel Godoy, the ‘Prince of the Peace’; others maintain that they are portraits of the painter’s mistress. Both paintings are from the same model. The one represents a young and beautiful woman reclining at full length upon a couch, her shoulders sustained by soft cushions, her head somewhat advanced by her hand crossed at the back of her neck, the upper part of the left arm supported by the cushions. Her lustrous, expressive eyes are turned towards the spectator. She is habited in Oriental costume, a diaphanous yellow vest, and clinging skirt beneath, of tender rose colour, revealing the contour of the lower limbs.
The second figure is entirely nude, and in precisely the same attitude as the companion picture. Relieved of the head-dress, her curling tresses fall luxuriantly about her shoulders; the lace-bedecked pillows and drapery upon the couch in charming contrast with the lovely flesh-tints. In short, these life-size figures are amongst the choicest examples of the master. Had Goya always painted thus it had been vain to blame, and useless to praise him.
5. The Majas of the Balcony.
Two young women are seated on a balcony, one in a white robe with black mantilla, the other in a dark dress with white mantilla. Behind them two attendant cavaliers.
Duque de Marchena, Madrid.
6. The Majas of the Balcony.
Repetition of foregoing with variations.