“Los Caprichos” by Francisco Goya utilizes printmaking techniques to produce a piece of art. The images found in “Los Caprichos” are often satirical and dark, but are enjoyable to look at. To me, the thing that is most interesting about these prints is the process it takes to make them. I have some experience in etchings before, and can attest to Goya’s mastery in the art. It is not easy to print with metal. Furthermore, Goya also uses aquatint. The difference in a regular etching and aquatint is easily noticeable in a print and definitely adds to the character of “Los Caprichos.” Regardless of the technique, printmaking is a very labor-intensive process and can be quite time consuming. This adds to the commitment that Goya had in creating pieces that stimulated social and political conversations.
Something that is very intriguing about “Los Caprichos” is the tone in which they communicate. Using only black ink on all of the prints, Goya uses his prints as a satirical device. They surely would have a different mood if bright colors were used. Seeing as “Los Caprichos” contains prints that challenge social and political norms in Spain, the usage of black ink definitely adds to the satirical aspect and makes the prints more serious.
Printmaking involves the creation of many layers that all add to the final image. It also requires the artist to carefully plan out what he or she is going to etch into the metal, seeing as all the prints are based off of the physical piece of metal. These aspects of pre-determination adds even more to the messages being sent to the viewers. Just like the printmaking process itself, each image is layered with meaning. On the outside, they may look comical. But this joking quality adds to the satirical nature because a deeper political or social message is hidden underneath all of the bizarre imagery being portrayed.
