Disparate claro (Clear Folly)

Disparate claro (Clear Folly) by Francisco Goya is a profound example of the Spanish master’s late graphic experiments. Produced utilizing the demanding techniques of etching, burnished aquatint, and lavis, the work belongs to the haunting series Los Disparates (The Follies). Although Goya designed the plate circa 1816, during the turbulent period of 1801 to 1825, this specific impression is a trial proof printed posthumously between 1854 and 1863, highlighting the enduring appeal and mystery surrounding his final prints.

The complex subject matter, like others in the series, is characterized by intense ambiguity, serving as Goya’s private commentary on the institutional folly, superstition, and political irrationality rampant in post-Peninsular War Spain. Goya’s technical choices underscore the psychological tension of the scene. He expertly employs burnished aquatint, meticulously manipulating the plate to create stark, dramatic lighting contrasts and deep, velvety blacks. The delicate use of lavis further enhances the composition, allowing for washes and soft tonal transitions that push the boundaries of traditional etching and give the finished print a remarkable painterly quality.

As one of the most intellectually challenging works by the renowned Spanish artist, Disparate claro cemented Goya’s reputation as a visionary graphic satirist and profoundly influenced subsequent generations of European artists. This vital example of Goya’s mature style is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the historical age and classification of the original plate, high-resolution images of these influential prints are frequently available for study through public domain initiatives worldwide.