Disparate conocido (Well-Known Folly)

1816

Francisco Goya

Associated Names
Francisco Goya

Artist, Spanish, 1746 - 1828

This is a drawing of several figures in an intense and dramatic scene. In the foreground, a standing figure on the right side is interacting energetically with a group of figures gathered to the left. The standing figure is dressed in dark clothing with a billowing cloak and is holding an elongated object. The group to the left is closely gathered and reacting to the actions of the figure on the right; one figure is seated and appears distressed or contemplative. The scene conveys powerful emotion and suggests themes of confrontation or tension in a dark setting. The textured shading in the background highlights the contrast between light and shadow on the figures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and burnished aquatint [trial proof printed posthumously before 1877]

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William Benedict

  • Dimensions

    plate: 24.5 x 35.6 cm (9 5/8 x 14 in.)
    sheet: 27.1 x 38 cm (10 11/16 x 14 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1975.105.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Harris 1964, no. 266, State II (trial proof/posthumous)

  • Series Title

    Los Proverbios (Disparates)

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1983

  • Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., July 1983.

1994

  • A Discerning Eye: Prints and Drawings Given by Ruth B. Benedict, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994, no. 53, as Los proverbios: Disparate conocido (Well-Known Folly).

Bibliography

1964

  • Harris, Tomás. Goya: engravings and lithographs. 2 vols. Oxford: Bruno Cassirer, 1964.

1994

  • A Discerning Eye: Prints and Drawings Given by Ruth B. Benedict. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994: no. 53.

Wikidata ID

Q65568364

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