Ni mas ni menos (Neither More nor Less)

Ni mas ni menos (Neither More nor Less) by Francisco Goya, dating from 1799, is a profound example of Spanish printmaking created during the pivotal period between 1776 and 1800. This highly technical piece employs a sophisticated combination of etching, burnished aquatint, drypoint, and burin on laid paper, showcasing Goya's mastery of tonal and linear execution. As part of his influential series Los Caprichos (The Caprices), the work functions as a potent visual satire, aimed at exposing the flaws, superstitions, and outdated social structures of contemporary Bourbon Spain.

The complex layering of mediums was crucial to Goya’s expressive intent. He utilized etching and drypoint to define structure and meticulous detail, while the burnished aquatint provides rich, dramatic variations in shadow and light. This careful manipulation of tone creates the somber, dreamlike atmosphere characteristic of his most significant prints. Goya often resorted to allegorical and often cryptic imagery to critique powerful institutions without risking direct censorship. The ambiguity suggested by the title, "Neither More nor Less," likely refers to the perfect balance or deserved fate of the figures depicted, serving as a moral observation on human vanity and folly.

The production of these prints was vital, allowing Goya to disseminate his challenging ideas beyond the confines of royal or aristocratic patronage. The work resides today in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it is preserved as a seminal document of both the Spanish Enlightenment and the beginning of modern art. Its continued significance ensures that this influential artwork is frequently studied and accessible through public domain art initiatives.