Ridiculous Folly, from the 'Disparates' (Follies / Irrationalities)
Original title: Ridiculous Folly, from the 'Disparates' (Follies / Irrationalities)
kurzbeschreibung
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes made the etching 'Lächerliche Torheit' between 1815 and 1819. It belongs to the 'Disparates' series and was first printed in 1864. The image shows a group of people seated on a fallen tree trunk, absorbed in conversation or some shared activity.
Description
Several figures have settled on a broad, toppled tree trunk. Their clothing looks traditional, pointing to a historical or cultural setting. Some sit upright, others lean forward or engage in an exchange. The print is monochrome, with even light and no visible shadows. Lines and hatching bring out the surfaces of the figures and their surroundings.
Context
The 'Disparates' series emerged during Goya's late years in Spain, a period of political turmoil after the Napoleonic Wars. The series remained unpublished in the artist's lifetime; the Academia de San Fernando issued the first edition in 1864. The plates are considered satirical and often hard to decipher, revolving around human follies and social ills.
Impact
The calm yet ambiguous scene unsettles and prompts reflection. Because shadows are absent and light falls evenly, a flat, almost dreamlike mood arises. Everyday but puzzling actions challenge the viewer to interpret.
Technique
For this plate, Goya used etching, aquatint, and drypoint on paper. Aquatint provides fine tonal gradations, while drypoint adds strong lines. The plate measures 24 × 35 cm; the work belongs to a series printed in several editions.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)