In a landmark event for the art community, the Hispanic Society Museum & Library in New York City has launched the Goya Research Center, dedicated to the study and appreciation of Francisco Goya’s works. Under the guidance of Guillaume Kientz, an esteemed Goya scholar and the museum’s director, the center aims to enhance scholarly research and public engagement with Goya’s art. This initiative is particularly timely as the art world approaches the bicentennial of Goya’s death in 2028.

The Goya Research Center is unique in its focus on the Spanish master in the United States, bridging a significant gap in American art scholarship. The center will leverage New York’s extensive collections of Goya’s works, housed in institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection, and the Brooklyn Museum. Kientz’s vision includes creating a “virtual museum” that will make these collections accessible to a global audience, enhancing both academic and public understanding of Goya’s legacy.

Key objectives of the center include conducting in-depth research into Goya’s art, including provenance and technical studies, and promoting this knowledge through exhibitions and publications. The center’s first major project is a symposium on the history of Goya’s reception in the United States, scheduled for later this year. This event will set the stage for a series of exhibitions and scholarly activities leading up to the 2028 bicentennial.

The center also aims to foster collaboration among scholars, with an advisory committee comprising experts from major museums and academic institutions. This collaborative spirit is reflected in the center’s plans to host annual symposia and offer fellowships to encourage new research.

Financially, the center has secured substantial support, with an annual budget of $200,000 funded by the Jasmine Charity Trust and other benefactors. This financial backing ensures that the center can undertake ambitious projects and sustain its operations in the long term.

Kientz, who previously curated Spanish and Latin American art at the Louvre, brings a wealth of experience and passion to this new role. His previous initiatives, such as the International Goya Study Days, have significantly contributed to the study of Goya’s work. Now, at the Hispanic Society, he is poised to make a lasting impact on Goya scholarship in the United States.

The launch of the Goya Research Center marks a significant milestone in art history, promising to deepen our understanding of Goya’s work and influence. As the center embarks on this exciting journey, it stands as a beacon of scholarly excellence, ensuring that Goya’s legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations.

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