Spanish Supreme Court Rules Two Goya Paintings Commissioned by Seville Tobacco Factory Belong to the State
Spain's Supreme Court has determined that two portraits by Francisco de Goya, depicting King Carlos IV and Queen María Luisa de Parma, are state property. Painted in 1789 for the Real Fábrica de Tabacos de Sevilla, the works are currently displayed at the Museo del Prado. The ruling concludes a legal dispute initiated in 2017 between the multinational tobacco company Altadis S.A. and the Spanish government. The court found that the state never relinquished ownership, and Altadis failed to prove acquisition through adverse possession. Altadis has accepted the decision while maintaining its claim of legitimate ownership.
Key facts
- The Spanish Supreme Court issued a ruling on March 27, 2026, declaring two Goya portraits state property.
- The paintings are portraits of King Carlos IV and Queen María Luisa de Parma, created in 1789.
- The legal dispute began in 2017 between Altadis S.A. and the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.
- The court determined the state never surrendered ownership, and Altadis did not acquire the works through adverse possession.
- Altadis has complied with the ruling but disputes its basis, citing a 1999 loan agreement as evidence of ownership recognition.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Tribunal Supremo
- Real Fábrica de Tabacos de Sevilla
- Museo del Prado
- Altadis S.A.
- Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte
Locations
- Seville
- Spain