He Deserved It 18th-19th century

Curator: Goya's etching, "He Deserved It," really hits you with raw emotion, doesn't it? The figures seem caught in a frenzy. Editor: Indeed. Goya’s prints often engage with the political and social upheaval of his time. The aquatint process here allows for a depth of tone, conveying a real sense of turmoil and the darkness of the subject. The materiality emphasizes the violence. Curator: I see the central figures as archetypes of power and victimhood. The man being beaten… and the others carrying what look like bodies. It brings to mind cycles of revenge. What about you? Editor: The print's power rests in how it reflects back the barbarity that humans are capable of. Curator: A chilling thought. Editor: Yes, but an important one to engage with, given the art's historical context and enduring power.