Pretty Teacher! (Translation)
Linda maestra! (Primary Title)
Los Caprichos (Series Title)
Francisco Goya, Spanish, 1746 - 1828 (Artist)
Francisco de Goya, 1746-1828:
Francisoco de Goya was Spain's leading artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, achieving renown throughout Europe as the painter who most reflected the philosophy of the Enlightenment and, later, Romanticism.He was prolific as both a painter and a printmaker. His prints - such as this selection from 'Los Caprichos' - castigate the folly, superstition, and cruelty of humankind, whereas his paintings range from lighthearted images to dark and deeply disturbing subjects. The artist's sometimes-unflattering portraits demonstrate great insight into the human potential for both good and evil; and his scenes from contemporary history show unusual empathy for the victims of political suffering. After serving under various political regimes, Goya ended his career creating the so-called black paintings for his own house, 'Quinta del sordo' (House of the Deaf Man). These works have been said to express the darkest vision of human life ever imagined.
'Los Caprichos':
In 1799 Goya published 'Los Caprichos,' the first of many print series he would produce throughout his career. The title, which translates as 'The Caprices,' emphasizes that the subjects sprung from the artist's imagination rather than observed reality. These prints are intentionally disturbing, bizarre, and sometimes obscene. Goya satirizes a wide range of social groups and demonstrates exceptional disgust for corrupt ecclesiastical officials and the aristocracy - two targets that shocked contemporary viewers. He also underlined his departure from the realm of reason by populating his scenes with supernatural characters, monsters, witches, and other-worldly animals. Considered a high point in the history of satire and the graphic arts, these prints have extended the influence beyond their immediate audience to subsequent artists seeking powerful transgressive art. Most recently, contemporary artists Yasumasa Morimura (Japanses, born 1951) and the brothers Dinos and Jake Chapman (English, born, 1962 and 1966), have created their own versions of Goya's works, thus proving their enduring relevance and dark appeal.
Francisoco de Goya was Spain's leading artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, achieving renown throughout Europe as the painter who most reflected the philosophy of the Enlightenment and, later, Romanticism.He was prolific as both a painter and a printmaker. His prints - such as this selection from 'Los Caprichos' - castigate the folly, superstition, and cruelty of humankind, whereas his paintings range from lighthearted images to dark and deeply disturbing subjects. The artist's sometimes-unflattering portraits demonstrate great insight into the human potential for both good and evil; and his scenes from contemporary history show unusual empathy for the victims of political suffering. After serving under various political regimes, Goya ended his career creating the so-called black paintings for his own house, 'Quinta del sordo' (House of the Deaf Man). These works have been said to express the darkest vision of human life ever imagined.
'Los Caprichos':
In 1799 Goya published 'Los Caprichos,' the first of many print series he would produce throughout his career. The title, which translates as 'The Caprices,' emphasizes that the subjects sprung from the artist's imagination rather than observed reality. These prints are intentionally disturbing, bizarre, and sometimes obscene. Goya satirizes a wide range of social groups and demonstrates exceptional disgust for corrupt ecclesiastical officials and the aristocracy - two targets that shocked contemporary viewers. He also underlined his departure from the realm of reason by populating his scenes with supernatural characters, monsters, witches, and other-worldly animals. Considered a high point in the history of satire and the graphic arts, these prints have extended the influence beyond their immediate audience to subsequent artists seeking powerful transgressive art. Most recently, contemporary artists Yasumasa Morimura (Japanses, born 1951) and the brothers Dinos and Jake Chapman (English, born, 1962 and 1966), have created their own versions of Goya's works, thus proving their enduring relevance and dark appeal.
Signed in plate lower left: Goya.
Printed above image upper right: 68. Printed beneath image in center: Linda maestra!
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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