He Has Been Decorated ("Y esta' Condecorado!") 1807 - 1845

This etching, "He Has Been Decorated," was created by Leonardo Alenza. The initial visual impact of Alenza's etching stems from its stark contrast of dark, deeply etched lines against the white of the paper, giving a satirical edge to the central scene. The composition places a richly attired donkey at the center, its form juxtaposed against a human figure, seemingly in the act of bestowing an honor. The artist uses line and texture to destabilize conventional notions of honor and status, as we witness how the donkey's elaborate garments are etched with far more detail than the faces in the audience. The use of line challenges fixed meanings, and engages with new ways of thinking about space and power. Ultimately, this piece is a formal exercise in satire. Its formal qualities contribute to a larger cultural discourse about the meritocracy and social hierarchies. The image is a site of ongoing interpretation, as we re-evaluate the symbols of power.