Three women, one in the foreground drawing water from a well, two in the background washing; folio 45 (recto) from the Madrid Album "B"
Original title: Three women, one in the foreground drawing water from a well, two in the background washing; folio 45 (recto) from the Madrid Album "B"
kurzbeschreibung
Three women go about their household chores in this sheet from Goya's Madrid Album B. In the foreground, one pulls a bucket from a well with a rope, while two others wash in the background. The drawing dates from 1795 to 1797 and is executed with brush and point of brush in carbon black washes in shades of grey.
Description
The image spreads out horizontally, with the front figure leaning over the well and tugging at the rope. Behind her, two smaller female figures appear, busy washing. Grey gradations dominate, produced by carbon black and water-based colours. The light falls evenly, without discernible shadows, creating a calm, clear mood. The style remains realistic and focuses on the figures and their activity.
Context
This sheet belongs to Madrid Album B, a series of sketches Goya made between 1795 and 1797. These albums came after his severe illness of 1792, which left him partially deaf and shifted his artistic direction. In the Madrid albums, Goya turned increasingly to social and everyday scenes, often with a critical edge. The representation of working women was a recurring theme in his graphic work of that time.
Impact
The restrained grey tonality and the calm layout give the sheet a quiet, almost documentary air. The even lighting without shadows emphasises the clarity of the event and directs the eye to the simple work of the women. All in all, the scene comes across as a sober, serene observation of everyday life.
Technique
For this sheet, Goya used brush and point of brush with carbon black washes, applied to the paper in various shades of grey. The technique of washed ink allowed him quick, fluid shading and a precise rendering of figures and movement. The sheet measures 23.5 × 14.7 cm and comes from a sketchbook, which suggests a spontaneous, note-like working method.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)