The Naked Maja

The Naked Maja is an iconic painting by Francisco Goya, created between 1797 and 1800. It portrays a woman reclining on a green velvet couch, fully nude, with a confident, direct gaze. Unlike many traditional nudes of the time, which idealized or distanced their subjects, this woman feels real and unembellished, suggesting a sensual yet unapologetic presence. The natural lighting and soft tones contrast with the sharp details of her pose and expression, making her feel both intimate and strikingly modern for her era. The painting was considered bold, even provocative, in its honest depiction of female nudity.