No One Knows Himself 1918 - 1928

Curator: This print, "No One Knows Himself," is by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, part of a larger series and currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The scene has a slightly unsettling feeling, doesn’t it? The etching is dark, and the figures feel a little menacing. Curator: Goya often used his art as social commentary, and this print is no exception. The masks worn by many of the figures suggest a critique of societal roles. These masks signify the hidden identities within social structures, revealing concealed intentions. Editor: That’s a fascinating point. The title itself, "No One Knows Himself," suggests a deeper level of self-deception and perhaps a criticism of the aristocratic class and its perceived hypocrisy. Curator: Exactly. Goya uses satire to confront issues of identity and moral ambiguity within a historical context shaped by political unrest. The act of concealing becomes a metaphor for the lack of genuine self-awareness. Editor: It certainly gives you a lot to think about, doesn’t it? A critical reflection on the performances of self and the masquerades of social standing. Curator: It's a powerful, layered work that invites ongoing examination.