Disparate femenino (Feminine Folly)

Disparate femenino (Feminine Folly) by Francisco Goya, conceived around 1816, is an exceptional example of Spanish printmaking during the tumultuous early nineteenth century. This trial proof, part of the artist's enigmatic Disparates (or Proverbios) series, utilizes the demanding techniques of etching and aquatint, possibly incorporating drypoint to achieve its deep tonal range and psychological intensity. While the original work was designed during the period 1801 to 1825, this specific impression was printed posthumously, likely between 1854 and 1863, allowing later audiences to experience Goya’s final, profoundly satirical vision.

The subject of Disparate femenino follows Goya’s late preoccupation with human absurdity and institutional hypocrisy. Unlike his earlier, clearer social commentaries, this print belongs to a group of works defined by shadowy, dreamlike imagery and a lack of clear narrative structure, reflecting the social and political uncertainties of post-Napoleonic Spain. Goya employs sharp contrasts in light and shadow, typical of the aquatint technique, to render a scene that critiques or perhaps observes the irrational aspects of contemporary life, symbolized here by "feminine folly." This ambiguity forces the viewer to interpret the underlying proverb or satirical observation inherent in the piece, a characteristic of the Romantic movement flourishing at the time.

As one of the most compelling prints from the artist's final period, this work showcases Goya's technical mastery and enduring influence on subsequent generations of graphic artists. The piece is housed in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a vital resource for understanding the evolution of the Spanish artistic temperament. Because the work is exceptionally old and significant, reproductions of these important prints are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to Goya's complex visual lexicon.