The Last Maja 1850 - 1900

Felicien Rops made this etching, "The Last Maja," in Belgium in the late 19th century. At first glance, it looks like a portrait of a woman, perhaps a dancer or actress. But if we dig deeper, we find a commentary on social mores and artistic traditions of the time. The title references the "majas" of Goya's Spain - women who embraced their sexuality and challenged social norms. Rops's maja is surrounded by symbols of decadence and decay, suggesting a critique of modern society. Figures such as demons and skeletons hint at a world of vice and moral corruption. Rops was part of a broader artistic movement that questioned traditional values and explored themes of sexuality and morality. To fully appreciate this work, one might delve into the history of printmaking, exploring how artists used this medium to challenge social norms and comment on the institutions of art itself. We must study the past to fully understand the present.