Kan man gøre mere? (33) 1810 - 1820

Francisco Goya created this etching, "Kan man gøre mere? (33)," using a copper plate, acid, and ink. Etching is an indirect process; the artist doesn't directly cut into the metal. Instead, Goya coated the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then drew his composition, exposing the copper beneath. Dipping the plate in acid created the lines, and he controlled the depth and darkness by repeating this process. This painstaking method contrasts sharply with the print's subject: a brutal execution. The fine, detailed lines – products of careful labor – render a scene of violence. The process of etching, demanding time and precision, ironically captures a moment of swift, inhumane action. The work involved in producing this image underscores the horror it depicts, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable reality of human cruelty and question the value of labor in a world marked by such atrocities. The print challenges the traditional hierarchy of art, elevating a craft-based medium to convey profound social commentary.