Now's the Time 18th-19th century

Curator: "Now's the Time" by Francisco Goya, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, arrests us immediately. What is your initial reaction? Editor: A visceral one, honestly. The figures are contorted, mouths agape in what looks like either fear or agony. The rawness is quite compelling. Curator: Absolutely. Goya created this print amidst the tumultuous period of Spanish history. Note how the exaggerated features seem to echo the political and social anxieties of the time. Editor: The stark light and shadow definitely amplify the sense of dread. I am curious about the recurring motif of the raised arms; is that an appeal to heaven or a surrender? Curator: It's powerful either way, reflecting the desperate state of affairs during this era. The piece underscores Goya’s critical commentary on the events that shaped Spain's destiny. Editor: Indeed, I leave this piece with the feeling of a society collapsing, the cries of individuals swallowed by their historical moment. Curator: A sentiment shared by many, I suspect, as this etching continues to provoke reflection on power, suffering, and the endurance of the human spirit.