Until Death c. 18th century

Editor: This is Francisco Goya’s etching, "Until Death." The skeletal figure admiring herself in the mirror is disturbing. What cultural associations and messages do you see Goya conveying through this piece? Curator: The mirror reflects vanity, a cultural preoccupation. The skull adorning itself is a potent symbol of death’s imminence, mocking the relentless pursuit of beauty. Do you see the other figures lurking behind her? Editor: Yes, they almost seem to be jeering. It’s a harsh commentary on society, isn't it? Curator: Indeed, Goya uses visual symbols to critique societal obsessions, revealing a culture clinging to ephemeral beauty while shadowed by mortality. Editor: I now recognize the strong link between the symbols and Goya's commentary. Curator: Visual symbols carry powerful cultural weight.