MADRID.- Art enthusiasts and scholars worldwide now have unprecedented access to the life and times of Francisco de Goya, thanks to a remarkable new online resource launched by the Museo Nacional del Prado. "The Inventory of Printed References. 1771-1828" is the world's first comprehensive collection of every printed mention of the legendary Spanish artist during his lifetime, offering a unique glimpse into his public image and evolving reputation.
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Funded by European funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, this ambitious project brings together scattered references from books, newspaper articles, advertisements, and prints, some of which were previously difficult to access. Imagine being able to trace Goya's growing recognition in real-time, from his first mention in 1771 to his death in 1828 – this archive makes it possible.
The Prado's initiative isn't just a dry list of citations. The online inventory is a rich tapestry of information, organized chronologically with detailed bibliographic data, transcriptions, translations, and even images of the original documents. Users can easily search by keywords, tags, document type, or decade, making it a powerful tool for research and exploration. Want to see what people were saying about Goya's latest masterpiece? Or perhaps how his work was being discussed in the newspapers of the day? This resource puts that information at your fingertips.
This monumental effort was spearheaded by the late Juan Carrete Parrondo, a renowned expert on Goya's graphic work. He dedicated two years to the project before his passing in 2023, and the Prado Museum has now completed his vision, making it freely available to the public. It’s a testament to Carrete Parrondo’s dedication and a valuable contribution to art history.
What's even more exciting is that this is a living archive. The Prado is encouraging collaboration, inviting users to contribute any additional references they might find. It's a wonderful opportunity for anyone with a passion for Goya to become part of this ongoing research.
The Prado Museum, recognizing the importance of digital access to its collections, has created this resource as part of its broader initiative to showcase its vast holdings of drawings, prints, and photographs. While many of these delicate works can't be on permanent display, this online platform brings them to life, offering a deeper understanding of the artists and the historical context in which they worked. With the "Inventory of Printed References," the Prado has not only illuminated the life of Goya but has also set a new standard for art historical research in the digital age.
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