As a painter in the court of King Carlos IV, Goya - played by the great Lithuanian actor Donatas Banionis (The Red Tent, Solaris) - has attained wealth and reputation. He believes in King and ...

As a painter in the court of King Carlos IV, Goya has attained wealth and reputation. He believes in King and Church, yet he is also a Spaniard who dearly loves his people.

With the help of Francisco Bayeu, his brother-in-law and a figure already well established in Carlos III's court, Goya was soon at work in the royal tapestry industry designing cartoons.

Here's the plot: "As a painter in the court of King Carlos IV, Goya has attained wealth and reputation. He believes in King and Church, yet he is also a Spaniard who dearly loves his people.

With the death of the old king in 1789 and the accession of Carlos IV, Goya's position at court was consolidated: he was awarded the title of Court Painter. But suddenly, when all seemed set fair ...

For Hughes, Goya is ever the realist here and he is quick to put down any suggestion of hidden satire, even in the masterpiece of the group, The Family of Carlos IV.