Humility versus Pride; a young man imploring an older man with other figures in front of them; folio 75 (recto) from the Madrid Album "B"
Original title: Humility versus Pride; a young man imploring an older man with other figures in front of them; folio 75 (recto) from the Madrid Album "B"
kurzbeschreibung
From 1796–98, possibly later, comes Goya's sheet 'Humility against Pride'. A young man has sunk to his knees before an older one, arms outstretched wide, pleading for forgiveness or aid. Brush and point of brush apply carbon-black washes. Other figures surround the pair and react in different ways. The contrast between humility and pride becomes tangible.
Description
A young man kneels before an older man who stands over him. The kneeling figure raises both arms and looks up at the elder, who remains motionless. Around them are grouped other people: some watch the young man, others turn away. The garments follow eighteenth-century fashion. Shades of grey dominate the surface, and diffuse light creates a sombre mood.
Context
This sheet belongs to Madrid Album B, one of Goya's sketchbooks from the 1790s. After a severe illness in 1792–93 that left him deaf, these works emerged. Goya used the albums as personal notebooks for observations and social commentary, often with a moralising intent.
Impact
The lively interplay between the kneeling youth and the standing elder produces immediate emotional tension. Dark washes and diffuse light heighten the pensive, almost melancholy character of the image.
Technique
Brush and point of brush with carbon-black washes were employed on paper. This method allows fine gradations of grey and an expressive, draughtsmanlike effect typical of Goya's album sheets.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)