Esto si que es leer

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

1797–98

Etching and aquatint

Minneapolis Institute of Art

An old man sits in a chair reading a book while two figures loom behind him, one appearing to pull his hair. Francisco Goya’s series Los Caprichos contains layers of meaning that even today challenge the modern viewer. Mia’s copy is a rare presentation proof containing early printings of all eighty images. In the first half, Goya explored themes of superstition, sensuality, greed, and violence with scenes set in Spanish brothels, salons, and prisons. The second half is given over to fantastic images from the artist’s dreams and nightmares. Even though Goya tried to disguise his attacks on Spanish society, he withdrew the set from sale because he had been reported to the Inquisition, a tribunal that ruled with lethal authority. Gallery Not