Might Not the Pupil Know More? 18th-19th century

Curator: Here we have "Might Not the Pupil Know More?" by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: What a strange, melancholic scene. There's a real tension between the comical animal figures and the overall somber mood. Curator: Goya’s printmaking reveals a critique of societal structures, specifically focusing on education and knowledge production. Notice the donkey teaching a smaller animal—likely a commentary on the blind leading the blind. Editor: I feel a deep resonance with the piece. The rough textures in the printmaking convey a feeling of unease, a premonition of something tragic. Curator: Its process mirrors his critique. Etching democratized art, making it more accessible, reflecting the potential for knowledge to empower, and the dangers of its misuse. Editor: It leaves you pondering the nature of learning, wondering about the dynamics of power and the flow of knowledge. It's a simple image that speaks volumes.