Modo de volar (A Way of Flying)

Modo de volar (A Way of Flying) is a profound and unsettling print created by the Spanish master Francisco Goya in 1816, during the turbulent period spanning 1801 to 1825. This image was conceived using a highly sophisticated combination of etching and aquatint, likely incorporating drypoint elements to achieve subtle tonal transitions and deep, velvety black contrasts. The work belongs to Goya's late-career graphic output, which frequently explored themes of folly, fantasy, and human irrationality, reflecting the pervasive political and social anxieties of post-Napoleonic Spain. Although the original copper plates were executed around 1816, this specific impression is a trial proof printed posthumously between 1854 and 1863.

The subject matter depicts three figures attempting an awkward and uncertain form of flight using unwieldy, rudder-like wings, held aloft in a dark, empty space. One central figure appears to be a pilot, while two others cling precariously beneath him. Goya’s graphic work, particularly the series of prints known as Los Disparates (The Follies) with which this image is closely related, pushed the boundaries of visual satire and the depiction of the subconscious mind. Unlike the direct social critiques of his earlier works, this piece presents a dream-like, almost allegorical scene characterized by bizarre effort and doubtful success, emphasizing the absurdity inherent in the human desire to transcend natural limits.

Goya’s genius in manipulating both light and shadow using the aquatint technique solidified his legacy as one of Europe’s foremost printmakers and a pioneer of Romanticism. While the composition of Modo de volar is inherently unsettling, it remains a critical example of the artist’s ability to merge technical mastery with disturbing narrative. This exceptional impression of the print is held within the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering scholars and the public crucial access to this essential piece of Spanish cultural heritage. Because of its age and historical importance, images of this work are frequently found in public domain archives, allowing for broad study and appreciation of Goya’s enduring, complex visions.