Dios los cria y ellos se juntan (God Creates Them and They Join Up Together)

The work Dios los cria y ellos se juntan (God Creates Them and They Join Up Together) by Francisco Goya, dating to 1816, is a masterful example of printmaking from the Spanish period spanning 1801 to 1825. This specific impression, classified as a trial proof, was executed using the demanding combined techniques of etching, burnished aquatint, and burin. While the original composition dates from Goya's late maturity, this print was executed posthumously, circa 1854-1863, reflecting the enduring commercial and artistic interest in the Spanish master’s graphic output after his death.

Goya utilized aquatint extensively to achieve the dramatic contrasts and deep tonal ranges that are a hallmark of his most compelling graphic series. The intricate process involved etching for linear details and burin work for fine corrections, emphasizing the artist's dedication to textural depth within the dark register. The title, which translates to "God Creates Them and They Join Up Together," references a cynical proverb often implying complicity in shared vices or malicious intent. The subject matter aligns with Goya's late-period focus on satirical observation and societal critique, reflecting the disillusionment prevalent in the aftermath of the Peninsular War.

As a significant example of early 19th-century Spanish printmaking, this piece resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Goya's intense, often unsettling imagery continues to influence artists globally, and reproductions of this print are widely studied today. Works such as this, produced during the period 1801 to 1825, frequently fall under public domain rights due to their age, ensuring continued accessibility for scholars worldwide.