A pretty piece of advice (Bellos consejos), plate 15 from "Los Caprichos"
Original title: A pretty piece of advice (Bellos consejos), plate 15 from "Los Caprichos"
kurzbeschreibung
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes made 'A Pretty Piece of Advice' (Bellos consejos) the fifteenth plate of his 'Los Caprichos', published in 1799. It presents two women in a bare interior. This etching, combined with drypoint and aquatint, belongs to the set of 80 plates in which the artist satirically exposes the social ills of his time.
Description
In a sparsely furnished room, two women sit on wooden chairs. The one on the left, wrapped in a long dark gown, wears a veil over her face; her posture suggests thought or worry. The other, whose dark dress shows a striking pattern at the waist, turns toward her companion—a conversation seems to be underway. Behind them, furniture and wall remain only vaguely discernible. Black and white dominates the image, which is evenly lit and lacks strong shadows.
Context
Between 1797 and 1799, Goya's 'Los Caprichos' took shape during a period of profound political and social upheaval in Spain. The series attacks superstition, abuses in the church, and social injustice. Plate 15 belongs to a group dealing with prostitution and female morality—a theme frequently addressed during the Enlightenment. In 1799, after only 27 copies, the edition was withdrawn by the Inquisition, which demonstrates the explosive nature of the series.
Impact
Hidden faces and the barren setting create a quiet, oppressive mood. That the title 'A Pretty Piece of Advice' is meant ironically makes the satirical intent unmistakable. Viewers are prompted to reflect on the situation shown.
Technique
For fine tonal gradations, Goya used etching with aquatint. Drypoint and burin were employed in working the plate, producing precise lines and soft shading. The aquatint creates the subdued, even lighting characteristic of the series.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)