It's Hot! 18th-19th century

Curator: This print, titled "It's Hot!" is attributed to Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes and is held in the Harvard Art Museums. The scene is dominated by figures in robes, seemingly in distress. Editor: The tonal range is fascinating; the deep blacks contrast sharply with the bright whites, creating a sense of drama and discomfort. Curator: Indeed. The inscription translates directly from the Spanish, “They are hot.” The image is thought to be one of Goya’s many satires on monastic life. Editor: Look at the angular lines defining the faces. Notice how Goya uses hatching to build volume and texture. It really emphasizes their intense, almost grotesque expressions. Curator: The exaggerated reactions may point to a commentary on gluttony, or even the Church's complicity in social injustices of the time. Editor: It's a masterclass in using line and form to convey raw emotion. Curator: Absolutely. Goya's work provides a window into a complex social and political world. Editor: And aesthetically, his stark compositions continue to challenge our perceptions.