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

No se puede saber por que (One Can't Tell Why) by Francisco Goya is a compelling graphic work classified as a print, dated 1863. Executed using a highly sophisticated and experimental combination of printmaking techniques, including etching, burnished lavis, drypoint, and burin, the piece displays Goya’s masterful manipulation of tone and line quality. While the artist died decades earlier in 1828, this specific impression falls within the 1851 to 1875 period, suggesting it belongs to a later, often posthumous edition of his extensive graphic series. This practice was common for preserving and disseminating the work of the Spanish master.

Goya remains one of the most vital figures in Spanish art history, renowned for his unflinching exploration of human suffering, psychological distress, and political chaos. The visual language employed in this work echoes the stark, often unsettling nature of his earlier graphic suites, such as Los Desastres de la Guerra or Los Caprichos. Although the scene's specific narrative is open to interpretation, the title—One Can't Tell Why—implies a focus on ambiguity or unexplained misfortune, themes pervasive in the artist’s mature output. The extensive use of burnished lavis, in particular, contributes to a deep tonal richness and creates a sense of oppressive darkness in the composition, characteristic of Goya's late style.

This important example of 19th-century Spanish prints forms part of the prestigious collection held at the National Gallery of Art. Due to the work's considerable age and historical significance, quality prints and high-resolution images of this piece are increasingly available within public domain resources, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study Goya’s innovative methods. No se puede saber por que (One Can't Tell Why) continues to demonstrate the enduring power and psychological depth inherent in Goya's foundational printmaking legacy.