The Betrothal 1799

Editor: This etching, "The Betrothal" by Francisco Goya, depicts a peculiar scene with animal-headed figures. The starkness of the etching emphasizes the grotesque imagery, and the production of such a print in that era must have had social ramifications. What statement do you think Goya was making about the process of marriage and social relations here? Curator: The focus should be on the material production itself. Etchings allowed for widespread dissemination of imagery. Consider the implications: Goya's commentary, facilitated by this accessible medium, directly challenged the established norms of marriage. What specific class or group does this critique target, and how might the materials used reflect that social positioning? Editor: That's a great point. The accessibility of the print would bring this critique to a wider audience, therefore making the statement more powerful. Curator: Precisely. This speaks volumes about both Goya’s intent and the power of printmaking in shaping social discourse.