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Sketch for Allegory on the Spanish Constitution, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
Time, Truth and History
Sketch for Allegory on the Spanish Constitution, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
Francisco Goya y Lucientes (Spanish, 1746–1828)
about 1797–99 or 1804
Medium/Technique
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
41.6 x 32.7 cm (16 3/8 x 12 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Horatio Greenough Curtis in memory of Horatio Greenough Curtis
Accession Number27.1330
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsPaintings
A rough sketch from the early part of Goya's career, this painting represents the winged Time, holding an hourglass, revealing naked Truth to the viewer. In the foreground, History records the event in her book, while looking over her shoulder in order to acknowledge the past. This composition was later used by Goya in a large-scale allegory relating to Spain's liberation from Napoleonic rule. In that version, the figure of Truth is replaced by one that may represent the Spanish nation, and the threatening bats and owls lurking overhead have disappeared.
Catalogue Raisonné
G&W 696; Gu 482
ProvenanceGiven by the artist to Juan Carñicero, Madrid. About 1875, Alejandro de Coupigny, Madrid [see note 1]. 1918, purchased in Madrid by Ralph W. Curtis for Horatio Greenough Curtis (b. 1844 – d. 1922), Boston [see note 2]; 1922, by descent to his widow, Anne Neilson (Winthrop) Curtis (b. 1847 – d. 1940), Boston; 1927, gift of Mrs. Horatio Greenough Curtis to the MFA. (Accession Date: July 21, 1927)
NOTES:
[1] The sketch was first published in "El grabador al aguafuerte," Colección de obras originales y copias de las selectas de autores españoles (Madrid, 1875), vol. 2, pl. 21 (etching after the original painting), as in the possession of Alejandro de Coupigny. It is said to have been given by the artist to Juan Carñicero, librarian of the king.
[2] According to a signed note by Horatio G. Curtis (in the MFA curatorial file). A letter written on stationery of the Senate of Spain and signed "R" (March 16, 1916; in the MFA curatorial file) mentions seeing the sketch, though in whose possession it was at that time is not documented.
NOTES:
[1] The sketch was first published in "El grabador al aguafuerte," Colección de obras originales y copias de las selectas de autores españoles (Madrid, 1875), vol. 2, pl. 21 (etching after the original painting), as in the possession of Alejandro de Coupigny. It is said to have been given by the artist to Juan Carñicero, librarian of the king.
[2] According to a signed note by Horatio G. Curtis (in the MFA curatorial file). A letter written on stationery of the Senate of Spain and signed "R" (March 16, 1916; in the MFA curatorial file) mentions seeing the sketch, though in whose possession it was at that time is not documented.