Disparate de miedo (Folly of Fear)

Disparate de miedo (Folly of Fear) by Francisco Goya is a profound example of the artist's late graphic output, belonging to the enigmatic series known as the Disparates or Proverbios. Conceived around 1816, during a volatile period defined by the suppression of liberal thought in Spain (1801 to 1825), this print captures the anxiety and irrationality of the era. The work was executed using the complex techniques of etching and aquatint, likely supplemented by drypoint, which allowed Goya to achieve dramatic contrasts and textural depth. While the plates were created by the artist before his death, this specific impression is a trial proof printed posthumously between 1854 and 1863, providing crucial insight into the technical evolution of the series.

Goya uses the symbolic language characteristic of the Disparates to explore the titular "folly of fear." The composition features disturbing, dream-like figures reacting to an unseen threat, moving away from the specific political commentary of earlier series and focusing instead on universal human failings and the grotesque absurdities of superstition. The Spanish master’s late output established a foundation for later Romantic and Symbolist movements. The technical mastery exhibited in the tonal variation, achieved through the intricate application of aquatint, enhances the psychological tension of the scene, immersing the viewer in a nocturnal realm of apprehension.

This influential piece is one of many rare Goya prints housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The enduring artistic relevance of Goya’s graphic work means that high-quality reproductions of this series are often made available in the public domain, ensuring global accessibility to the complexities of his vision.