Ni por esas (Neither Do These)

"Ni por esas (Neither Do These)" by Francisco Goya is a profound example of Spanish graphic art, utilizing a complex combination of etching, lavis, drypoint, and burin. The intricate technique showcases Goya’s mastery of the printed medium, allowing him to achieve deep tonal range and sharp, detailed lines not possible with a single process. The etching provided the structural composition, while the inclusion of drypoint and burin added rich texture and intensity to the contours, typical of the dramatic scenes the artist often produced.

Although the design originated with Goya (who died in 1828), this particular impression was printed in 1863. This date places the physical execution of the print within the period spanning 1851 to 1875, reflecting the enduring legacy and continued publication of Goya's plates decades after his death. This late-stage printing confirms the high demand for the master's graphic works and their continued relevance to Spanish artistic traditions throughout the mid-nineteenth century.

Goya’s graphic output is characterized by unflinching commentary on the social and political atmosphere of his time, often depicting themes of superstition, folly, and violence. The evocative title, Ni por esas, suggests a narrative of resistance or failure, heightened by the masterful use of shadow and expressive figure work that defines this piece. As one of the significant prints originating from this era, the work exemplifies the historical shift in subject matter toward the dark psychological narratives Goya explored.

This notable impression of Ni por esas resides in the National Gallery of Art collection, where it serves as a critical example of the artist's posthumously celebrated work. Due to its age and historical classification within the 1851 to 1875 period, the work and its imagery are increasingly considered part of the public domain, ensuring wide accessibility for scholars and art enthusiasts studying the graphic tradition of this pivotal Spanish figure.