Caprichos

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Caprichos is a set of 80 aquatint prints created by the Spanish master-painter Francisco Goya during the 1790s.

The prints were Goya's artistic experiment: a medium for his condemnation of the universal follies and foolishness in the Spanish society in which he lived. The criticisms are far-ranging and acid; he speaks against the predominance of superstition, the ignorance and inabilities of the various members of the ruling class, pedagogical short-comings, marital mistakes, and the decline of rationality - among other things.

Goya described the series as depicting "the innumerable foibles and follies to be found in any civilized society, and from the common prejudices and deceitful practices which custom, ignorance, or self-interest have made usual".[1]

The work was an enlightened, visual tour-de-force critique of 18th century Spain, and humanity in general. The informal style, as well as the depiction of contemporary society found in Caprichos, makes them – and Goya himself – a precursor to the modernist movement almost a century later.

Caprichos were withdrawn from public sale before their planned release in 1799. Only a formal order from King Carlos IV kept Goya from being called before the Spanish Inquisition.

[edit] Gallery

Volaverunt	El sueño de la razón produce monstruos	Todos caerán	Aquellos polvos
Corrección	Lo que puede un sastre	Allá va eso	Nadie nos ha visto