And This, Too 18th-19th century

Curator: Here we have "And This, Too," an etching by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as a scene of disorder. Monks, or figures in robes, seem to be in conflict, perhaps even fleeing. There’s a sense of panic in the gestures. Curator: Goya's work often reflects the tumultuous period he lived through—the Napoleonic wars, social upheaval. The figures' robes might signify the Church, a powerful institution. Editor: Yes, their garb creates a visual identity, but I wonder about the figures' body language. The outstretched arms could represent supplication or resistance, both powerful visual symbols. Curator: Given Goya’s history of social critique, this might be a commentary on the Church's role in the conflicts of his time. Editor: Perhaps, but I also see timeless themes of power and vulnerability, rendered with stark lines and expressive forms. Curator: Goya certainly knew how to capture the anxieties of his era, while still touching on universal themes of human fallibility. Editor: Exactly, it's a dark vision—one that continues to resonate across centuries.