FRANCISCO DE GOYA - NOBODY KNOWS EACH OTHER (LOS CAPRICHOS, Nº 6) - 1918

Subject: Original engraving by Goya from the first half of the 20th century. Tenth edition. The Caprichos - Francisco de Goya.

Publication: Madrid, Real Calcografía, 1918. 10th edition. 

Technique: Etching and burnished aquatint. Beveled. Black and white with sepia tones on laid paper that looks similar to the first edition. Watermarked paper (Portrait of Goya with hat) Numbered in the upper right corner with 6. Title in plate in the lower part. This edition is very well printed and is the best after the fourth edition, the plates have been cleaned and cleaned and the printing has been improved.

Size: 22 x 15 cm [print], 33'5 x 26'5 cm [paper].

Description: On the right-hand side of the engraving we see a woman in profile wearing a mask over her face; she is smiling with a gesture of pleasure. In front of her, slightly reclining and standing at the level of her face, a figure also wearing a mask looks at her attentively. Behind her are other figures dressed in peculiar costumes; some of them are wearing large hats, and in the case of the one at the lower left and the one in the centre, their faces also appear to be covered by masks; his face is wearing a mask and he is smiling in a pleasant manner. In front of her, slightly reclining and standing at the level of her face, a figure also wearing a mask looks at her attentively. Behind her are other figures dressed in peculiar ways; some of them are wearing large hats, and in the case of the one at the lower left and the one in the centre, their faces also appear to be covered by masks.

It is a dark environment in which Goya uses aquatint to capture the young woman's clothing, the lightest part of the engraving. Much of the background is executed with very continuous, close etching strokes.

In Ayala's manuscript it is said of this work that "the world is a mask; the face, the costume and the voice are all feigned. An effeminate General presents madame with a gift in front of other cuckolds". 

Conservation: Good impression.

References: T., Harris, Goya: Engravings and Lithographs.