Ni asi la distingue (Even Thus He Cannot Make Her Out)

Ni asi la distingue (Even Thus He Cannot Make Her Out) is a significant print created by Francisco Goya between 1797 and 1799. This example of Spanish graphic art from the period 1776 to 1800 utilizes a complex combination of techniques: etching, aquatint, and drypoint executed on laid paper. This particular impression is identified as a proof before letters, offering valuable insight into Goya’s creative process before the addition of published inscriptions.

The work showcases the artist’s mastery over print media, particularly the use of aquatint, which allows for rich, atmospheric tonal fields. Goya often employed stark contrasts in light and shadow to heighten the dramatic tension within his images, reflecting a deeply critical view of contemporary society. The enigmatic title, Even Thus He Cannot Make Her Out, immediately directs the viewer toward themes of impaired vision, delusion, or willful ignorance, common subjects in the artist’s oeuvre.

While the specific narrative details of the scene are characteristic of the veiled social criticism Goya applied to customs and superstitions, the core psychological impact remains potent. The density of the etched lines and the dramatic, brooding atmosphere underscore the difficulty or refusal of the figure to recognize what is before them.

The historical significance of these early prints by Goya is paramount, bridging the satirical traditions of the Enlightenment with the darker psychological explorations of the nineteenth century. The quality of this specific impression demonstrates the technical height of Spanish printmaking during this transformative era. This crucial work is preserved in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. While some high-resolution copies of Goya’s work are available in the public domain, original proofs such as this offer unparalleled documentation of the artist's rigorous approach to printmaking.