That Certainly is Being Able to Read 18th-19th century

Curator: Here we have Francisco Goya's etching, "That Certainly is Being Able to Read," part of his "Los Caprichos" series. The scene depicts an elderly man being tended to, perhaps even mocked, by shadowy figures. What's your initial take? Editor: It's like a fever dream etched in sepia tones. I get this sense of unease, like witnessing a private moment twisted into something grotesque. Curator: Goya was deeply critical of Spanish society, particularly the aristocracy and clergy. Illiteracy was rampant, and education often served the interests of the powerful. Editor: So, is the old man a symbol of outdated knowledge, while those looming figures represent the oppressive forces? They're practically gargoyles. Curator: Precisely. Goya uses satire to expose the hypocrisy of a society that values appearances over genuine understanding. Editor: It feels timeless, really. That struggle for knowledge, the powerful manipulating the vulnerable...it all resonates today. Curator: Goya's "Caprichos" remain relevant as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thought and social justice. Editor: Indeed. It is so relevant now. Art has a way of holding a mirror up to humanity's perpetual struggles, doesn't it?