Artwork Page for When Day Breaks We Will Be Off, Plate 71

Details / Information for When Day Breaks We Will Be Off, Plate 71

Series Title: Los Caprichos

When Day Breaks We Will Be Off, Plate 71

1799
(Spanish, 1746–1828)
Culture
Spain
Measurements
Image: 17.3 x 12.7 cm (6 13/16 x 5 in.); Plate: 19.7 x 14.9 cm (7 3/4 x 5 7/8 in.); Sheet: 32 x 22.4 cm (12 5/8 x 8 13/16 in.)
Catalogue raisonné
Harris 106, 1st. edition, 1799; Perez Sanchez and Gallego p. 77 no. 71
Edition
First Edition
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
?

Did You Know?

Francisco de Goya gave each of the prints in Los Caprichos, including this one, intentionally cryptic titles.

Description

Francisco de Goya used printmaking to explore subjects that stirred controversy when represented in more public media, such as oil painting. This print belongs to Los Caprichos, a series of enigmatic images that critique the hypocrisy and irrationality the artist observed throughout contemporary Spanish society. Here, a group of witches prepares to fly without broomsticks or sight, suggesting ignorance and obliviousness. The dense and starry sky behind them was created using layers of aquatint—a technique that Goya was among the earliest and most expert artists to adopt.
A vertically oriented print depicts a group of nude people seated under a dark, star-spotted sky. They have warped, bulging faces, hatches shading muscles. One nude person sits facing others in the group, legs crossed and one hand gesturing behind and up to the sky. A shadow-like shape made by diagonal hashes loosely mimics the position behind. Below, an inscription reads "Si amanece, nos Vamos."

When Day Breaks We Will Be Off, Plate 71

1799

Francisco de Goya

(Spanish, 1746–1828)
Spain

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork