\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 A cloak of legend and mystery surrounds the identity of the beautiful woman depicted in the \i Maja desnuda\i0 , one of the
best-known paintings in the Museo del Prado, The picture was probably painted for the minister Manuel Godoy, from whom it was confiscated in 1808. The fascination of this celebrated portrait lies in the irreverent naturalism with which the body is depict
ed, the womanÆs alluring gaze and the diaphanous luminosity of her flesh.