The Aljafería Palace is hosting two sketches by Francisco de Goya for the Regina Martyrum dome, which are part of the exhibition «Goya, from Museum to Palace.» This addition is aligned with the Bicentennial of Goya’s death, with Aragón as the focal point of the events. The exhibition, which has attracted over 470,000 visitors, may extend beyond the end of the year.
Presentation of the Sketches at the Aljafería Palace
Last Wednesday, the Throne Room of the Aljafería Palace served as the venue for the presentation of two of Goya’s sketches as invited works in the exhibition «Goya, from Museum to Palace.» The event was attended by prominent figures such as María Navarro, president of the Aragón Cortes, and Mar Vaquero, deputy president of the Aragón government. Vaquero highlighted the institutional collaboration and the temporary loan of works from private collectors and the Cabildo, emphasizing the uniqueness of these sketches that reflect Goya’s mastery.
The president of the Cortes, María Navarro, stressed the importance of collaboration among institutions for the conservation and dissemination of cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Pedro Olloqui, the general director of Culture, underscored the mature phase of Goya when creating these sketches, which are now showcased as part of the treasures of the Basilica del Pilar.
Details of the Sketches and Their Exhibition
The sketches, dated 1780 and executed in oil on canvas, were presented by Goya to the Metropolitan Cabildo of Zaragoza before painting the Regina Martyrum dome. They depict the two halves of the dome, showing the Virgin as Queen of Martyrs, accompanied by angels and Aragonese saints. These works reflect the influence of Italian painting on Goya and will be exhibited at Aljafería from July 22 to October 14, 2026.
The details for the invited work include: Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (Fuendetodos, 1746 – Bordeaux, 1828), Sketches for the Regina Martyrum dome, 1780, oil on canvas, Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar, Metropolitan Cabildo of Zaragoza, exhibition dates from July 22 to October 14, 2026.
Impact and Projection of the Exhibition
The exhibition «Goya, from Museum to Palace» has welcomed over 470,000 visitors since its inauguration in December 2024. Visitors primarily come from Spain, particularly from Aragón, Catalonia, and Madrid, as well as internationally, with notable attendance from France, Italy, and the United States. The exhibition, currently scheduled to run until the end of the year, could be extended, thereby consolidating institutional collaboration and the dissemination of Goya’s legacy from Aragón.
The inclusion of Goya’s sketches strengthens the invited works program of the exhibition, which has already featured pieces such as the «Portrait of José Cistué» and the «Virgin with Child.» This initiative aims to bring significant works closer to the public, solidifying the Aljafería Palace as a key venue for the promotion of Aragonese artistic heritage.
