The Consequence 18th-19th century

Curator: This print is titled "The Consequence" by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes and is held at the Harvard Art Museums. It presents an unsettling scene. Editor: My first impression is one of claustrophobia. The figure seems pinned down, a victim of both literal and metaphorical darkness, by something very heavy. Curator: Yes, Goya’s skillful etching brings forth themes of oppression. The bats looming overhead, obscuring any potential light source, create a palpable sense of dread and foreboding. Editor: And think about the labor involved in producing a series of prints like this, disseminating such powerful, potentially subversive imagery widely. What would the cost of materials have been? What kind of labor did it require? Curator: The strategic use of aquatint here contributes to the somber mood. The tonal range achieved heightens the dramatic tension, focusing our gaze upon the central figure and the symbolic weight of the bats. Editor: Considering its creation, this artwork truly embodies the social consequences Goya evokes. It's a powerful testament to his craft, and to the historical moment.