Si sabrá mas el discipulo 1796 - 1797

Francisco de Goya created this intaglio print, "Si sabrá mas el discipulo," using etching and aquatint, showcasing a scene dominated by animal figures dressed in human attire. The stark contrast and textures achieved through the etching technique give the image a visually arresting quality. The composition is tightly arranged, drawing the eye to the central figures of the donkey and the dog. The use of aquatint enriches the tonal depth, contributing to a somber yet satirical mood. The animals’ garb creates a disjunction, challenging fixed meanings. The donkey assumes the role of a scholar, peering through a magnifying glass at the dog as the dog points to a chart filled with letters, suggesting a critique of academic or social hierarchies. Here, Goya employs a semiotic system where animals represent human folly, questioning Enlightenment ideals. The formal arrangement underscores a deeper cultural discourse, inviting viewers to consider the instability of knowledge and power.