Subir y bajar (To Rise and To Fall)

Subir y bajar (To Rise and To Fall) is a powerful graphic work created by Francisco Goya in 1799, exemplifying the artist's mastery of printmaking during the Spanish transition from the Enlightenment to early Romanticism. This complex print, classified within the period of 1776 to 1800, was rendered using the demanding technique of etching and aquatint with burnishing on laid paper. The combination of etching for line work and aquatint for broad, flat areas of tone allowed Goya to achieve a dramatic range of light and shadow, highlighting the psychological intensity for which his graphic works are renowned.

Goya utilized the aquatint process extensively in his satirical series, providing rich, tonal variation that enhances the atmosphere of the piece. The careful application of burnishing, a process where the artist smoothed the copper plate to lighten areas of the aquatint, emphasizes subtle variations in tone and adds definition to the figures. The Spanish master often employed these sophisticated prints, rather than oil paintings, to critique the social and political follies of late 18th-century Madrid, making his commentary widely accessible and sharply observed.

The creation of this piece in 1799 places it at the precipice of the 19th century, reflecting the intellectual upheaval of the age. While the title suggests universal themes of ambition, failure, and the capricious nature of fortune, it reflects Goya's profound psychological insight into the human condition. This significant work is maintained within the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering scholars and the public an important example of Goya's graphic genius. Due to its age and historical importance, high-resolution images of this masterwork are often available in the public domain for non-commercial study and research.