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: Aguafuerte, aguatinta bruñida y buril. 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 79. 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: 21,5 x 15 cm [print], 33'5 x 26'5 cm [paper].
Description: In a wine cellar four friars are drinking opulently in front of a barrel of wine. Three of them, who are clearly illuminated, face the viewer, while another in the foreground has his back turned and holds a large glass in one of his hands. In the background a ghostly figure can be made out, covering his head with a hood and looking on with pleasure.
The lines of the etching are very marked and only one wash has been used. Goya also uses touches of burin to reinforce the engraved lines.
The manuscript in the National Library gives the following interpretation for this engraving: "The priests and friars take brave gulps when no one sees them; but the world knows it well. The abbé's glass is of good make to indicate the greater disorder in the clergy".
Conservation: Good impression.
References: T., Harris, Goya: Engravings and Lithographs.