Nanny's Boy 18th-19th century

Editor: This is "Nanny's Boy" by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. It's an etching, and the mood is so unsettling. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Goya often critiqued power structures. Consider the title, "Nanny's Boy." Who benefits from this system of childcare, and at what cost? It hints at the neglect faced by children of privilege, and speaks to the broader societal implications of class disparity. Editor: So you see it as a commentary on social class? Curator: Absolutely. The child is adorned, yet seems distressed. This tension speaks volumes about the performative nature of status and the emotional sacrifices it demands. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Curator: Indeed. Art can serve as a mirror, reflecting back our own societal biases and prompting critical self-reflection.