Sarah Symmons has done a deft job contextualising Goya.-Independent
Symmons uses her deep understanding of Spanish institutions and Goya's contemporaries to illuminate the trajectory of his career. In presenting such a subtle and revealing image, she has done a great service to students and aficionados of Goya alike.-The Art Book
On the Art & Ideas series
Art & Ideas has broken new ground in making accessible authoritative views on periods, movements and concepts in art. As a series it represents a real advance in publishing.-Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate London
The format is wonderful and offers what had long been missing in academic studies: usable manuals for specific themes or periods... I am definitely not alone in welcoming Art & Ideas as a precious set of teaching tools.-Joachim Pissarro, Yale University
Phaidon's series may prove to be the pick of the crop. It boasts expert but undogmatic texts and a wealth of illustrations.-The Sunday Telegraph