They are getting drunk 1796 - 1798

"They are getting drunk," is a monochromatic drawing by Francisco de Goya. The composition centers around a figure being attended to by a group of people, creating an intimate yet unsettling scene. Goya’s stark use of ink wash, combined with the economy of line, gives the artwork a sense of immediacy. The tonal range is limited, which adds to the emotional intensity. The way Goya uses shadow isolates the figures in a space which is difficult to locate. The composition is structured to draw attention to the central figure's face, which is framed by the actions and gazes of the surrounding individuals. This formal arrangement suggests a commentary on human relations and societal observation. The drawing destabilizes conventional notions of social etiquette, using a semiotic language to reflect on the human condition. This is typical of Goya's work. Ultimately, the formal qualities of Goya's drawing invite us to engage with broader cultural discourses, demonstrating the power of art to question and reinterpret the world around us.