Fuerte cosa es! (That's Tough!)

The print Fuerte cosa es! (That's Tough!) was executed by the renowned Spanish artist Francisco Goya sometime between 1810 and 1820, a turbulent period following the Napoleonic invasion of Spain. This complex work showcases Goya’s mastery of intaglio processes. It was created using a combination of etching, aquatint, and drypoint, techniques demanding meticulous skill and control to achieve rich tonal variations. The description of this impression as a "proof" indicates it is an early impression taken before the final edition, often demonstrating specific states in the plate’s development. The technical sophistication further includes burnishing on the laid paper, a process used to lighten dark areas and introduce subtle, luminous gradations within the dense aquatint ground.

The period of 1801 to 1825 was marked by significant political and social upheaval in Spain, following the Peninsular War (1808-1814). Goya, whose later career focused heavily on critical documentation of institutional corruption and military violence, used graphic prints as a powerful and accessible medium for social commentary. This work aligns stylistically and thematically with the artist’s commitment to capturing the challenging realities of life in the early 19th century. Goya's prints often explored the psychological toll and physical horrors witnessed firsthand, making his oeuvre a crucial component in the transition toward Romanticism.

The phrase Fuerte cosa es! suggests a confrontation with a difficult or overwhelming situation, a subject characteristic of the graphic output of the artist's later decades. Goya’s use of dramatic contrast between intense light and deep shadow, achieved primarily through the careful application of the aquatint, lends the piece an unsettling emotional intensity. This emphasis on expressive mood over polished refinement cemented Goya's status as one of the most important Spanish artists of his time. This valuable proof impression is preserved in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing crucial insight into Goya’s creative process and enduring legacy.