Farewell 1799

Editor: So, here we have Francisco de Goya's etching "Farewell" from 1799. The image is full of shadowy figures and has an undeniably eerie vibe. What do you make of this piece? Curator: You know, the moment I saw this etching, I felt like I'd stumbled into a dream... or maybe a nightmare. Look at those ghostly figures huddled together, are they fleeing or are they flying? Editor: It's hard to tell! They could be angels, or demons. The expressions on their faces are obscured by the darks, adding to the mystery. Curator: Exactly. That ambiguity is pure Goya. Consider the historical context, too. The late 18th century was turbulent, rife with revolution and upheaval. This print feels like a response to that, a farewell to something lost. Almost like a final glance from something fading away. What's the feeling you are getting? Editor: Definitely a sense of loss, maybe even terror. Like the figures are trying to escape some impending doom, clinging together for comfort as they flee into the darkness. The composition, too, is unsettling—it pulls you right into their chaotic journey. Curator: Do you think Goya romanticizes here, even in darkness? What if instead of darkness, this journey represents something beautiful and mysterious? Editor: That's an interesting thought, though, given the title, it's hard not to see the "Farewell" as a somber moment, especially because it's juxtaposed against his other works in Los Caprichos series, but a beautiful farewell could bring an interesting reflection to the print. It also pushes against just the negative interpretations. Curator: You’re right; perhaps it's about embracing transition itself, even if it’s scary, rather than fearing it? "Buen Viaje" might be a heartfelt, though perhaps resigned, wish. I guess Goya wants to make the viewers ask those types of questions. Editor: It's really cool how much a simple etching can convey when you consider its context and Goya's own headspace.