Francisco Goya (1746-1828) lived during a time of transformation and upheaval in Spanish history. In this revelatory biography, Janis Tomilinson draws on a wide range of documents-including letters, court papers, and a sketchbook used by Goya in his early years-to provide a nuanced portrait of a multifaceted painter and printmaker whose art reflects the people and revolutionary events that defined his era. Tomlinson challenges the popular image of Goya as an isolated figure obsessed with darkness and death, offering new perspectives on his youth, success at court, rich family life, extensive travels, and lifelong friendships. This book is the definitive account of an artist whose genius and faith in his art inspired paintings, drawings, prints, and frescoes that continue to captive, challenge, and surprise us two centuries later. Book jacket.