Men in Sacks, from "The Disparates" (Follies / Irrationalities)
Original title: Men in Sacks, from "The Disparates" (Follies / Irrationalities)
kurzbeschreibung
From Goya's series 'The Follies' (Los Disparates) comes 'Men in Sacks', made around 1815–19 but not published until 1864. Executed as an etching with burnished aquatint, it gathers a group of men wrapped in sacks.
Description
The sack‑covered men stand in a row, some facing forward, others looking back or to the side, their faces partly hidden. Dark, nearly black garments set the figures off against a lighter, indistinct background. Dim, frontal light emphasizes shadows and contours. The layout feels symmetrical, with the figures placed centrally.
Context
During a period of political uncertainty after Napoleon's fall and the Bourbon restoration in Spain, the 'Los Disparates' series took shape. Alongside his 'Black Paintings', Goya worked on these prints, addressing human folly and social ills. Only in 1864, long after Goya's death, did the Academy of San Fernando publish them.
Impact
The hidden faces and rigid posture of the figures create an oppressive, enigmatic mood. The dark palette and diffuse light heighten the sense of threat and invite interpretation.
Technique
As an etching with burnished aquatint, the print allows fine lines and soft shading. The aquatint produces tonal gradations that support the gloomy atmosphere. The plate measures 24.5 × 35 cm, the sheet 33.5 × 48.5 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)