She Doesn't Recognize Herself ("No se conoce") 1807 - 1845

Leonardo Alenza's etching, "She Doesn't Recognize Herself", depicts a woman in an elaborate gown and headdress, examining a mirror held by a grotesque figure. The woman's expression is one of shock and dismay, perhaps reflecting the stark reality of her aging and mortality. The presence of a skull at her feet further emphasizes the theme of transience and the vanity of worldly pursuits. This 19th-century work is a powerful commentary on the human condition, reflecting the Spanish Romantic period's fascination with the macabre and the ephemeral nature of life.