God Creates Them and They Join up Together c. 1813 - 1820

Francisco Goya made this etching, titled ‘God Creates Them and They Join up Together’, using metal plate, acid, and ink. The effect achieved through these processes is quite different from painting. The stark contrast of light and shadow creates an eerie and dramatic atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene. Goya’s aquatint technique allowed him to achieve tonal gradations and atmospheric effects that add depth and complexity to the composition. Prints like this one were relatively inexpensive, and that was important. They democratized imagery. Goya was making very pointed commentary on the social conditions of his time. He’s not just making a pretty picture, but using the potential of printmaking to be critical of the world as he saw it. So, next time you look at a print, consider not only the image itself but also the means by which it was created, as well as the social context it reflects.