No se puede saber por que (One Can't Tell Why)

The powerful print No se puede saber por que (One Can't Tell Why) by Francisco Goya, executed between 1810 and 1820, exemplifies the Spanish artist's profound and often dark commentary on the social and political turmoil of the 1801 to 1825 period. Categorized as a print, this work showcases a highly technical approach to intaglio processes, employing etching, burnished lavis, drypoint, and burin on wove paper to achieve its dramatic tonal range and expressive depth.

Goya utilized the graphic nature of these complex prints to address themes of inexplicable suffering and the irrationality of human conflict, characteristic of his later, critical series. The title, "One Can't Tell Why," suggests a scene where the cause of the depicted distress is either obscured or inherently senseless, compelling the viewer to confront the violence and oppression prevalent in early 19th-century Spain. Through the medium of etching and drypoint, Goya was able to render figures and environments with a stark realism that amplifies the emotional impact of the subject matter.

The technical brilliance of the work is evident in the nuanced application of burnished lavis, a technique that allows for subtle gradations of tone and rich, deep shadows, essential for conveying the atmosphere of despair and confusion. This manipulation of light and surface demonstrates Goya’s commitment to technical innovation in prints and his dedication to conveying emotional depth through varied texture. Today, this significant example of Spanish graphic art resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. The historic importance of these works has led many of Goya's prints to enter the public domain, enabling widespread scholarly access to his artistic legacy.