Now's the Time 18th-19th century

Curator: Francisco Goya's print, "Now's the Time," arrests the viewer immediately with its stark, unsettling imagery. Editor: The composition is chaotic; the figures contorted and caught in what feels like a moment of collective frenzy, verging on madness. Curator: Precisely, the print utilizes aquatint to create tonal variations, heightening the drama. Observe how the stark contrast amplifies the emotional impact. Editor: Given Goya’s social commentary through art, one can read this work as a direct critique of the clergy and the aristocracy, their power based on corruption and exploitation. Curator: Note the artist's line work, the use of shadow and light to define form, creating an eerie, theatrical scene. Editor: The artist's title, "Ya es hora," suggests an urgency—a call to action against injustice. Curator: Ultimately, this intense use of visual language creates a memorable aesthetic encounter. Editor: A chilling depiction, compelling us to consider the cycles of power and resistance.