Menippus the Philosopher

Together with Aesop, this forms the pair of paintings that Goya copied on a smaller scale from Velázquez. Goya studied this exceptional 17th-century sevillian artist, whom he admired and from whom he learned a great deal. Goya faithfully copies Velázquez, yet without losing his own personality and mastery.

He is depicted in such a way that both figures are linked, as they are both slaves. He is shown looking disheveled and wearing a threadbare cloak. Goya used this painting as a model for the etching he created in 1778. The manner in which the painting was executed highlights the style this aragonese painter employed at that time.