Quien lo creyera! (Who Would Have Thought It!) by Francisco Goya is a seminal work of graphic satire created in 1799, placing it squarely within the Spanish artistic output of the 1776 to 1800 period. Classified as a print, the technical complexity of the piece is notable, executed using a demanding combination of etching, burnished aquatint, and burin on laid paper. These mixed media techniques allowed Goya to manipulate light and darkness with exceptional precision, achieving the dramatic tonal range necessary for his critical artistic vision. This specific plate belongs to the iconic Los Caprichos series, through which the artist launched a biting, yet often veiled, critique of contemporary society.
The title, translating as “Who Would Have Thought It!”, introduces an element of skeptical surprise, characteristic of Goya’s commentary on the deep-seated superstitions, vanities, and institutional corruption he perceived in late eighteenth-century Spain. Goya utilized the stark contrasts inherent in the aquatint process to emphasize the nightmarish or irrational elements of the subject matter. The subtle lines created by the etching and burin define the figures, while the velvety shadows of the aquatint convey the oppressive atmosphere. Goya's innovative approach to printmaking transformed the way artists communicated socio-political commentary to the public, setting a precedent for subsequent generations of graphic artists.
The durability and reproducibility of this medium ensured that these complex works, including this impression of Quien lo creyera! (Who Would Have Thought It!), circulated widely, making Goya’s art accessible beyond the confines of royal patronage. Many impressions of these groundbreaking prints from the era have since entered the public domain, guaranteeing the artist’s legacy. This important historical and artistic document of Spanish culture is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a powerful example of Goya’s profound influence on the Romantic movement.
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