Tu que no puedes. 1796 - 1797

This is Francisco de Goya's etching "Tu que no puedes." Goya orchestrates a stark tableau of figures rendered in tones of grey. The composition is dominated by a cluster of donkeys looming over a group of men who struggle beneath their weight. The artist uses sharp, contrasting lines to define the forms, creating a sense of depth and chaos. The texture, achieved through the etching process, adds a layer of rawness to the scene. The layering of donkeys and men presents a visual metaphor for the oppressive structures of power and social hierarchy. The donkeys, symbols of stubbornness and ignorance, stand above the men, weighed down by their burden. The title, translating to "You who cannot," suggests a critique of those who are unable to rise above their circumstances or challenge the status quo. Goya's work challenges traditional notions of heroism and nobility, presenting a world where strength is subverted and the powerless are left to struggle.