I really like the aquatint style that Los Caprichos is in. I think it allows Goya’s figures to look pretty realistic, even the horror- and fantasy-based ones. I don’t know how to explain it, but if I were to imagine what a monster looked like, Goya has created it pretty accurately. The use of tones and shading and the way Goya chose to position the figures are really impressive. These techniques add fluidity to the characters and bring them to life, which are qualities that go well with the humor in the captions. I feel like I’m getting glimpses of a comedy skit. While I appreciate the Dover edition’s good quality reproduction of the prints and accompanying explanations, I’ve found the high resolution images on Wikipedia to be super helpful. The clarity of the images is useful for seeing what’s going on, getting a better sense of the variety of tones, and distinguishing the individual etched lines and how they work together in the print as a whole.
I also enjoy the content of Los Caprichos. I like that Goya reveals the sometimes absurd, ridiculous, and/or ironic nature of societal conventions and norms, such as the woman getting married in “They say yes and give their hand to the first comer” (2). In addition to critiquing society on a larger scale, I like that Goya also comments on individuals and the human condition, like how greed gets in the way (“For heaven’s sake: and it was her mother,” 16) or how we are sometimes too preoccupied (“Which of them is the more overcome?,” 27).
I just looked up “Los Caprichos” on Wikipedia and the resolution totally helps me notice new details. You’re right, the texture and shading Goya uses somehow add to the overall scare factor of his artwork – very, very creepy. It’s interesting to see each etch line and get a closer glimpse at his technique. I also enjoy the captions! He’s very sarcastic and I like how each caption is a story and a joke or thought representing Goya’s personal sense of humor.