Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

The painting "Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zúñiga," commonly known as "The Red Boy," showcases the tender, striking image of the young son of the Count and Countess of Altamira. Francisco de Goya, the illustrious Spanish painter, captivatingly immortalizes the child, Manuel, in a moment that melds innocence with a sense of aristocratic pride. The boy is dressed in an opulent red costume, a vivacious hue that dominates the canvas, bestowing upon Manuel an aura of significance and nobility. The rich fabric of his garment, adorned with delicate white lace, not only highlights his privileged status but also testifies to Goya’s meticulous attention to detail and texture.

Manuel stands in an elegant yet casual pose, engaging with his beloved pet magpie. This bird, perched with composure, intriguingly holds the painter’s calling card in its beak, a subtle yet clever insertion by Goya to mark his artistic identity within the composition. The detail of the magpie hints at the painter's playful and personal connection to the portrait.

To Manuel’s left, a cage filled with finches suggests the child's affinity for pets and hints at the domestic luxury of his environment. On the ground near his feet, three cats with wide, expressive eyes add an element of intrigue and tension. The cats' gaze, keenly fixed on the magpie, introduce a sense of predatory anticipation, subtly contrasting with the otherwise serene and controlled demeanor of the young subject.

Goya's masterful play of light and shadow emphasizes the textural richness of Manuel’s costume and the delicate intricacies of the various animals. The nuanced expressions and fine details of the scene invite prolonged contemplation of both the sitter's innocent world and the artist's rich narrative device.

Artist: Francisco de Goya (1746-1828)
Title: "Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zúñiga" (commonly referred to as "The Red Boy")
Date: Circa 1787-88
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 127 x 101.6 cm (50 x 40 inches)
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Francisco de Goya and His Artistic Context:
Francisco de Goya, one of the most significant and influential artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, straddled the line between the old masters and the dawn of modern art. His career encompassed several phases, ranging from the Rococo-inspired tapestries early in his career to the profound and often disturbing images of his later "Black Paintings."

In the 1780s, Goya was at a pivotal point in his career, having secured recognition and patronage from the Spanish aristocracy. The painting "Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zúñiga" is a stellar example of his work during this period. This era was marked by portraiture that combined sophisticated realism with deeply personal and intriguing nuances, reflecting both the sitter's status and Goya's reflective, often critical perspective on society.

Noteworthy Details:
- Symbolism: Goya's inclusion of the magpie holding his calling card serves as both a literal signature and a symbolic assertion of his presence within the noble household. The interplay of the natural world (the finches, magpie, and cats) with the poised young boy subtly addresses themes of innocence, vigilance, and the natural order.
- Technique and Style: The vibrant red of Manuel's attire showcases Goya's skill in using color to convey emotional and symbolic significance. The delicate lace and the sheen on the satin fabric exemplify his technical prowess. Moreover, the use of light to create depth and texture highlights Goya’s interest in realism, a characteristic that would later evolve into a more expressionist approach in his darker works.
- Impact and Legacy: This portrait not only captures a detailed likeness of the young Manuel but also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of youth and the transient nature of childhood joy. It remains an iconic piece within Goya's oeuvre, reminding viewers of his versatility and his ability to imbue portraiture with layered, complex meanings.

The painting, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, continues to be a testament to Goya's unparalleled skill and his enduring legacy in the annals of art history.