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Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (1746 - 1828) The Forge, c.1815-1820 oil on canvas 71 1/2 in. x 49 1/4 in. (181.61 cm x 125.1 cm) Henry Clay Frick Bequest. Accession number: 1914.1.65 Currently on View: East Gallery (119) Link to floorplan and Virtual Tour

Commentary: The composition of this great canvas derives from traditional depictions of the forge of Vulcan, the metalworker of the Olympian gods. Goya translates that mythological theme into contemporary language, using sturdy laborers in working clothes as a subject suitable for dignified, monumental treatment. The rough, vigorous application of paint and the somber coloring heighten the power and intensity of the figures and their actions.

Source: Art in The Frick Collection: Paintings, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1996.

Collections: Javier Goya, son of the artist.  Purchased in 1836 by Baron Taylor and Adrien Dauzats for the French government.  King Louis Philippe of France (died in exile at Claremont, Surrey, in 1850).  Louis Philippe sale, May 2–21, 1853, Christie’s, Lot 354, sold to Henry Labouchere (afterward Lord Taunton).  Inherited by Labouchere’s grandson, E.A.V. Stanley, Quantock Lodge, Bridgewater, Somerset.  Agnew.  Bought by Colnaghi and Knoedler, July, 1914.  Frick, 1914.

Source: Paintings in The Frick Collection: French, Italian and Spanish.  Volume II. New York: The Frick Collection, 1968.