#witchesonswings

[vmfaeducation]

#CurateThis: Goya. 

One can fall down a rabbit hole of Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes’ (1746-1828) dark etchings. Witch on a Swing, from The Late Caprichos series is one of dozens of dark depictions of an equally dark world that Goya faced. He is known for etchings that depict the depravities of war, child abuse, and the subjugation of women, and he used 18th century iconography to help transfer his message. For example, cats stood for witchcraft. For all of the dark themes in Goyas work, this witch seems to be, dare we say...having fun?

74.41.2 Francisco Goya, Spanish, 1746 - 1828 (Artist) Witch on a Swing, The Late Caprichos (Series Title) 1825-1827 etching and drypoint on wove paper 11 3/8 × 8 in. (28.89 × 20.32 cm) Plate: 7 3/8 × 4 5/8 in. (18.73 × 11.75 cm) John Barton Payne Fund