The Aljafería Palace, one of Aragon’s most iconic architectural jewels, is preparing to host a unique exhibition that will merge the splendor of its historic architecture with the work of Aragonese genius Francisco de Goya.
Under the title ‘Goya, from the Museum to the Palace‘, the exhibition will open to the public on December 5th and will remain in this space for two years, offering an exceptional cultural experience.
The exhibition ‘Goya, from the Museum to the Palace ‘ has been conceived as a temporary solution while the Museum of Zaragoza, the usual home of Goya’s collection, is undergoing renovations. However, what began as a necessity has turned into an extraordinary opportunity. “For the first time in the history of our region, the exceptional Renaissance architecture of this palace and the work of our most brilliant artist, Francisco de Goya, will coexist in the same space,” explained Arancha Echevarría-Torres, technical manager of the exhibition.
The exhibition will bring together a total of 62 pieces, including a digitalized and interactive facsimile edition of the Italian Notebook. Among the works are two sculptures, four albums of Goya’s prints and 20 single prints, as well as a letter written by the painter to Martín Zapater in 1780, a drawing and 34 oil paintings. Along with the creations of the genius of Fuendetodos, the public will be able to enjoy works by artists who influenced his career, such as his teacher José Luzán Martínez, Corrado Giaquinto, Francisco Bayeu, Ramón Bayeu and Fray Manuel Bayeu, offering an integral vision of his artistic context.
The Director General of Culture of the Government of Aragon, Pedro Olloqui, highlighted the importance of this initiative and the quality of the exhibition design: “Each room has a suitable intervention for the best exhibition of the works, with spaces that combine colors and modules aimed at achieving a better enjoyment of the work and experience of contemplating Goya in an exceptional setting”.
The Aljafería Palace, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001, is an incomparable setting for this proposal. Its mixture of Islamic, Renaissance and Mudejar architecture, together with its role as the seat of the Aragonese Parliament, make it a space that unites history, art and culture.
A journey through the life and work of Goya
The exhibition is distributed in several rooms of the palace, following a chronological and thematic order that allows visitors to understand Goya’s artistic evolution and his impact on the historical-artistic context of his time.
Room 0: Introduction
In the entrance hall, a bust of Goya, the work of Mariano Benlliure, welcomes visitors along with an audiovisual that explains the context and objectives of the exhibition.
Pedro IV Hall: Goya, Universal Artist
This space is dedicated to Goya’s graphic production, highlighting his facet as an engraver. Prints ofLos Caprichos, Los Desastres de la Guerra, La Tauromaquia and Los Disparates are exhibited, as well as letters and drawings that reflect his creative capacity.
Exhibition Hall: Artistic Background
Works by artists who influenced Goya, such as José Luzán, Francisco Bayeu and Corrado Giaquinto, are presented here, showing the artistic environment in which the young Goya was formed and began his career.
Taujel Room: Goya’s Early Works in Zaragoza and Italy
This room exhibits early pieces such asThe Consecration of St. Aloysius Gonzaga and St. Vincent Ferrer, which show the influence of the Zaragoza academy and his master Luzán. Also on display are works from his Italian period, such as Cuaderno Italiano and Aníbal vencedor.
Throne Room: Goya and Court Portraits
This room houses portraits of monarchs and members of the aristocracy, such as Charles IV, Maria Luisa of Parma and Ferdinand VII. These pieces reflect his facet as an official court painter.
Santa Isabel Hall: Private Portraits
Here you can contemplate more intimate portraits, such as those of his son Francisco Javier Goya, his daughter-in-law Gumersinda Goicoechea and other prominent figures of the time.
Sala de los Pasos Perdidos: Religious Painting and Closure
The exhibition concludes with a space dedicated to Goya’s religious works, such as The Virgin with St. Joachim and St. Anne and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Meditating before a Crucifix. In addition, an audiovisual documenting the transfer and assembly of the works is included.
Pedro Olloqui, on the work carried out by the architect Jorge Ruiz Ampuero in the mounting of the exhibition: “He has done a job that combines respect for the Palace with an interior architecture that maximizes the exhibition of Goya’s Aragonese works”.
A collective legacy
The exhibition includes 62 works from all periods of Goya’s career, on loan from institutions such as the Museo Nacional del Prado, the Fundación Caja Inmaculada, the Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro, the Escuela de Artes de Zaragoza and private collections. Among the most outstanding pieces are the first edition albums of Los Caprichos and Los Desastres de la Guerra, as well as the portrait of the Duke of San Carlos and the Cuaderno Italiano.
According to Echevarría-Torres, “right now the work is being assembled in what will be his home for approximately two years”. This joint effort reinforces Aragon’s commitment to the dissemination and preservation of Goya’s legacy.
A palace full of history
The Aljafería, built in the 11th century as an Islamic palace, has witnessed centuries of history. With its mixture of architectural styles and its role as the seat of the Aragonese Parliament, it is the ideal place to host this exhibition. More than 300,000 people visit this monument every year, which has consolidated its position as a cultural reference in Spain.
Practical information
The exhibition will be included in the regular visit to the palace, with rates and discounts available on the website of the Cortes de Aragón. The schedules and prices include free modalities for large families and other groups.
With this exhibition, Aragon reaffirms itself as a cultural reference and celebrates the work of one of its most illustrious sons, Francisco de Goya, in a setting that masterfully unites art, history and architecture.
