It Is Nicely Stretched c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Goya's "It Is Nicely Stretched," a darkly toned print depicting a young woman offering her leg to an older woman. It feels rather unsettling. How do you interpret this work in light of Goya's broader social commentary? Curator: Goya often critiqued societal structures. Consider the power dynamics at play here – the youthful woman's vulnerability, the older woman's potential exploitation. How might this reflect Goya's perspective on gender and class during his time? Editor: So, you see it as a comment on the commodification of youth and beauty? Curator: Precisely. Goya highlights the transactional nature of relationships, especially where power imbalances exist. This wasn't just a visual observation; it was a provocation. We can use this image to analyze the role of women in society and how their worth was—and often still is—defined by appearance. Editor: That adds a whole new layer to my understanding; thank you for the insight. Curator: It's through such critical analysis that art truly speaks to us.