Francisco de Goya (1746–1828) was a seminal Spanish painter and printmaker, often regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Western art. He began his career as a court painter for the Spanish Crown, gaining fame for his detailed and vibrant portraits of the Spanish aristocracy. Over time, Goya’s work evolved to reflect a deeper psychological and emotional complexity, especially evident in his later works such as the "Black Paintings" and "The Disasters of War" series, which conveyed the darker aspects of human nature and the brutal realities of conflict. Goya's innovative techniques and profound exploration of the human condition significantly influenced the development of modern art movements, including Romanticism and Impressionism.