They Spin Finely, Plate 44

Series Title: Los Caprichos

1799

Francisco de Goya

(Spanish, 1746–1828)

Culture

Spain

Medium

Etching, aquatint, drypoint, and engraving printed in sepia

Support

Medium-weight laid paper

Measurements

Image: 19.1 x 13 cm (7 1/2 x 5 1/8 in.); Platemark: 21.8 x 15.3 cm (8 9/16 x 6 in.); Sheet: 30.2 x 19.5 cm (11 7/8 x 7 11/16 in.)

Credit Line

Sundry Purchase Fund 2014.15

Catalogue raisonné

Harris 79 II, Trial Proof

State

Trial Proof

Edition

First Edition

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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 creatively engaged with printmaking, producing bold and innovative compositions. This impression is a rare trial proof printed in sepia ink before publication of the series Los Caprichos, whose title translates as “caprices” or “artistic fantasies.” As one of the earliest sheets printed from the plate, it retains Goya’s subtle layers of tonal aquatint absent in later impressions. Note, for example, the slight shift in tone between the pale skin and white blouse of the woman in the foreground whose spinning, a common euphemism for sex work, is likely the subject of the artist’s elaborate critique.