You Make a Mistake if You Marry Again (Lo yerras, si te bue[l]bes á casar) 1816 - 1820

Curator: Goya's drawing, "You Make a Mistake if You Marry Again," at the Harvard Art Museums, immediately conveys a sense of weariness. The figure seems burdened, doesn’t it? Editor: Indeed. The stark lines and simple wash emphasize the material poverty of this figure, his worn garments and simple walking stick indicating a life of hard labor or perhaps displacement. What’s the social context here? Curator: Goya was deeply invested in the political turbulence of his time. His drawings often scrutinize the plight of the common person and critique oppressive social structures, including marriage. Editor: Formally, the rawness of the technique speaks volumes. The figure’s posture, that subtle droop, coupled with the economical use of ink wash, create a powerful statement about aging, labor, and disillusionment. Curator: Precisely. The drawing acts as an indictment of the societal pressures and economic constraints that often made marriage a trap, especially for the working class. Editor: And that inscription along the bottom—it makes you consider the artist's intention and how the piece might resonate with different viewers over time. Curator: A potent reminder of how material conditions shape intimate human choices. Editor: It’s a striking piece, compelling us to confront the hardships endured by so many.