La Maja Desnuda (The Naked Maja) is one of Francisco de Goya's most celebrated works. This commissioned painting was created before 1800, likely between 1790 and 1800, which is when
the first documented reference to the piece appears. It later became a companion piece to La Maja Vestida (The Clothed Maja), painted between 1800 and 1808. Both works were likely
commissioned by Manuel Godoy, as they were known to be part of a private cabinet in his home.
Both paintings depict the same beautiful woman in a full-length portrait, reclining peacefully on a bed and gazing directly at the viewer. Although not a mythological nude, but rather a real
woman contemporary with Goya, it was even referred to as "The Gypsy" in its time. However, the earliest references to the painting actually describe it as a Venus.