Linda maestra! (Pretty Teacher!)

Linda maestra! (Pretty Teacher!) by Francisco Goya, created in 1799, is a powerful example of the Spanish master's satirical prints from the pivotal turn of the century. This complex intaglio work utilizes the combined techniques of etching, burnished aquatint, and drypoint on laid paper, showcasing Goya's technical mastery in manipulating tone and line to achieve dramatic effect.

Dating from the crucial period between 1776 and 1800, this piece belongs to the famed Los Caprichos series, a collection of eighty plates intended to expose and critique the social absurdities, superstitions, and foolishness prevalent in Spanish society during the Enlightenment era. Though the title translates deceptively as "Pretty Teacher!", the imagery often depicts a grotesque scene of witchery or dark magic. Goya uses this ironic contrast to launch a pointed attack on misinformation and ignorance masquerading as wisdom. The deep, velvety shadows achieved through the aquatint process lend an inherently dark and unsettling atmosphere to the work, amplifying its commentary on irrationality.

Goya’s innovative approach to printmaking, particularly his sophisticated use of burnishing to modulate light and shadow within the aquatint fields, profoundly influenced subsequent generations of artists working in graphic media. The original impression of Linda maestra! (Pretty Teacher!) is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a seminal work from the late 18th century, the print often forms part of cultural history discussions, and high-resolution images of these significant historical prints are frequently made available through public domain initiatives.