Where did Francisco Goya become famous?

The duchess of Alba was said to have been having an affair with Goya. In his painting of her Portrait of the Duchess of Alba1797, she is pictured wearing her funeral garb of the maja after the death of the duke, pointing down at goyas name in the dirt as well as wearing a ring on her finger with his face or initials on it (can't remember which). Also he was appointed spanish court painter so he also knew Carlos IV, Count Floridablanca, amongst many writers, philosophers, and other artists of his time.