They Say Yes and Give Their Hand to the First Comer 18th-19th century

Editor: This etching, "They Say Yes and Give Their Hand to the First Comer" by Francisco Goya, features some rather grotesque figures surrounding a young woman. What do you see in this piece, focusing on Goya's use of materials and the social commentary it offers? Curator: The aquatint medium itself is crucial. Its tonal range creates a sense of unease, mirroring the societal critique. The acid-biting process, a form of industrial labor, reveals the corrosive nature of arranged marriages and social power dynamics. Editor: So, the materials themselves contribute to the meaning? Curator: Precisely. The printmaking process, historically linked to mass production, makes this critique accessible. It implicates the viewer in the consumption and perpetuation of these social norms. Editor: I hadn't considered the material's role in the artwork's message so thoroughly. Curator: Thinking about the historical availability of print materials adds another layer to understanding the artwork's meaning.