Scene
A young woman lies horizontally across a green divan with cushions, looking directly at the viewer. The background is dark and indistinct, pushing her body forward into the viewer's space.
The Clothed Maja
Francisco Goya
1800
Figures
The figure is a reclining woman dressed in a white chemise, an ornate jacket, and pointed shoes. She poses with her hands behind her head and elbows out in a confident, self-assured manner.
Symbolism
The pose suggests a modern take on the reclining Venus tradition without the mythological attributes. The specific clothing and social type of the 'maja' may suggest themes of class and identity.
Craft
Goya uses precise brushwork to render the shimmering silk and lace of the costume, contrasting with looser strokes in the background to highlight the textures.
Impact
The work is a key image in discussions of the female body and spectatorship. Its reputation as a provocative pair with the nude version has sparked controversy and analysis.
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