Bravissimo! 18th-19th century

Curator: Let’s turn our attention to Goya’s print, “Bravissimo!,” held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark etching, with its grotesque figures and unsettling composition, feels like a dark dream. What's happening here? Curator: Goya is known for his satirical commentary on Spanish society. Here, a monkey serenades a donkey, while others applaud. Editor: The tonal gradations are masterful; see how the crosshatching defines the forms. It's visually unsettling. Curator: It's thought that the monkey represents artists performing for an unappreciative, asinine audience—perhaps a jab at the art world and its patrons. The image serves as a critique of ignorance and misplaced praise. Editor: The way Goya uses aquatint to create shadows is almost like a stage, highlighting the absurdity. Curator: Goya often explored political and social themes through satire. In “Bravissimo!,” his critique of the social elite is unmistakable. Editor: Yes, the technical skill enhances the disturbing narrative. A compelling piece overall.