Will she rise again? 1814

Francisco de Goya created this etching, "Will she rise again?", using metal plates and acid. Goya was a master of aquatint, using it to create a grainy, atmospheric effect. Look closely, and you’ll see the rich tonality achieved by repeatedly exposing the plate to acid. The controlled corrosion of the metal is what gives the print its haunting quality. But the labor isn’t only Goya’s; it’s also the unseen work of the printmaker who prepared his plates and pulled the impressions. Printmaking was a distinctly collaborative process during this time, and in his series "The Disasters of War," Goya sought to represent the political corruption and social injustices he witnessed. The disturbing content underscores the immense effort required to produce this piece. This etching offers a powerful example of how materials and making intertwine with cultural significance, inviting us to reconsider the boundaries between art, craft, and social commentary.