Real Fábrica de Tabacos de Sevilla

The Real Fábrica de Tabacos de Sevilla (Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville) was a state-owned tobacco manufacturing facility established in the 18th century. It is historically significant as one of Europe's largest industrial buildings of its time. The factory commissioned Francisco de Goya in 1789 to paint portraits of King Carlos IV and Queen María Luisa de Parma for display on its facade. The factory no longer functions as such, having been repurposed. It is newsworthy because the Spanish Supreme Court recently ruled that these Goya portraits belong to the Spanish State, not to the multinational tobacco company Altadis, which had claimed ownership. This ruling concludes a years-long legal battle. The decision reinforces the State's ownership of historically significant artworks commissioned by the Real Fábrica de Tabacos, highlighting the enduring cultural and historical importance of the former factory and its commissions.