Nadie se conoce (Nobody Knows Himself)

Nadie se conoce (Nobody Knows Himself), created by Francisco Goya in 1799, is a compelling example of the artist’s mastery of graphic satire and social critique. This work is classified as a print, utilizing the complex technique of etching and aquatint on wove paper, a medium Goya frequently employed to achieve high dramatic contrast and expressive power. Dating from the pivotal period of 1776 to 1800, this piece reflects the turbulent transition in Spanish culture between entrenched traditional power and the emerging ideals of the Enlightenment. The 1799 creation date strongly associates this image with Goya’s groundbreaking series, Los Caprichos.

In this print, Goya uses the corrosive action of the etching needle to define the composition's primary lines, which are then augmented by the rich, modulated tones of the aquatint. The aquatint process creates a dense, somber atmosphere, highlighting the figures in various states of ambiguity and interaction. The subject matter centers on the concept of self-deception and the masks individuals wear in public life. The work’s title directly addresses internal blindness, suggesting a moral or psychological failing where "nobody knows himself," a characteristic critique often aimed by Goya at the societal hypocrisies prevalent in late eighteenth-century Spain.

As a pivotal figure in Spanish Romanticism, Goya moved beyond traditional portraiture and religious commissions to explore darker, psychological themes. The technical brilliance of the prints allowed for their wide dissemination, ensuring the work’s influence on subsequent generations of artists focused on human folly. This impression of Nadie se conoce (Nobody Knows Himself) is preserved within the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a critical document of the artist’s graphic legacy. Due to its age and cultural significance, these influential prints are often available as high-resolution images through various public domain initiatives, providing global access to this crucial phase of Goya’s career.