They spin finely (Hilan delgado)
Original title: Plate 44 from "Los Caprichos": They spin finely (Hilan delgado)
kurzbeschreibung
A long, thin thread runs between the hands of an older woman and a younger figure on her lap — this is plate 44 from Goya's 'Los Caprichos' of 1799. Two women sit close together in a quiet, tense encounter. The image is an etching with aquatint, drypoint, and burin.
Description
Upright on a chair, the older woman holds a second, similarly dark-clad person on her lap. She draws a long, thin thread or spindle across the other's body; both faces remain serious and pensive. Behind them emerge stylized, almost grotesque figures that seem like ornaments or signs. Grays dominate the monochrome print, with fine lines and hatching modeling the surfaces. Light is evenly distributed, without harsh contrasts.
Context
Between 1797 and 1799, Goya produced the 80 etchings of his series 'Los Caprichos,' which comment on social ills and superstition with biting irony. Plate 44 is titled 'Hilan delgado' (They spin finely) — a Spanish proverb aimed at subtle intrigues or gossip. In 1799 the edition appeared as an album, but was soon withdrawn after criticism from the Inquisition. Goya used printmaking to expose human folly and social hypocrisy bluntly.
Impact
The scene feels oppressive and enigmatic; the gloomy mood fosters an impression of secrecy and manipulation. At the same time, the grotesque figures in the background give the print a surreal touch that unsettles the viewer and prompts reflection.
Technique
Etching with aquatint, drypoint, and burin on paper. Aquatint provides delicate gray gradations, while drypoint and burin create precise lines and hatching. The interplay of these techniques yields a rich tonal range with detailed textures.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)