#1810's

Court train, First French Empire

• Gown Worn by Princess Charlotte of Wales (1796-1817).

Date : 1816-1817

Popular cravat styles during the Regency. Published by Stockdale, 41 Pall Mall, 1818.

The styles satirized in the 1818 The Neckclothitania include: The Oriental, a Mathematical, The Osbaldeston, Napoleon, American, The Mail Coach, Trone d’Armour, The Irish, Ball Room, Horse Collar, Hunting, Maharata, a Gordion Knot and a Barrel Knot.

The Black Paintings by Francisco Goya

The Black Paintings are works painted by Spanish artist Francisco Goya (1746-1828), dated around the years 1819 to 1823. They were painted in the artist’s later years, during a time in which Goya’s views became much more pessimistic. The artworks, composing of around 14 pieces, portray haunting and dark themes, both stylistically and contextually. 

Goya’s life was considerably bleak during this period, and the series reflect that. The artist was battling severe health issues, both physical torments and mental ones. With the combination of declining health and a country in political turmoil, it’s no wonder that Goya’s pessimism on the state of humanity was present in his artistic life. Each work is dark in every sense of the word, portraying a sense of dread through the use of a limited palette.

This series is especially interesting as the art was painted directly onto the walls of Goya’s home. They were most likely never intended for public viewing, however ‘Saturn Devouring His Son’ (the third image featured here) is one of his most recognized works.

The titles Goya may have given these paintings, if any, are unknown. We recognize them only by names given to them by art historians.