No se convienen (They Do Not Agree)

No se convienen (They Do Not Agree) by Francisco Goya is a powerful Spanish print realized through a complex combination of intaglio processes, including etching, drypoint, engraving, and burnishing, executed on wove paper. Although Goya died in 1828, this specific impression dates to 1863, placing its official publication within the 1851 to 1875 period often associated with posthumous editions of his final great graphic series, Los Proverbios (also known as Disparates).

The technical complexity of the work demonstrates Goya’s mastery of the graphic arts. He skillfully utilized drypoint to create rich, burred lines, lending a velvety density to the shadows, while etching provides the foundational structure. Subtle burnishing was used to lift areas, enhancing the dramatic contrast and psychological intensity for which the series is known.

Like others in the Disparates set, the work explores themes of irrationality, superstition, and human conflict. The title itself points toward disagreement, a common motif in Goya’s late oeuvre where grotesque figures and ambiguous settings serve as a vehicle for profound social commentary. This work is a testament to the artist’s commitment to addressing the darker realities of the Spanish condition, utilizing satirical elements to critique folly and power dynamics.

This striking example of Spanish graphic art, which captures the profound psychological depth characteristic of the master's final period, is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because many of Goya's original plates were created decades before their official release, prints from the 1863 edition are highly valued for their clarity and historical documentation. Today, many of Goya’s influential prints are accessible for scholarly study and public enjoyment through digitization and public domain initiatives.