Who Would Have Believed It? 18th-19th century

Editor: This is Francisco Goya's print, "Who Would Have Believed It?" from the Harvard Art Museums. It's a dark image; the figures almost seem to emerge from the shadows. What kind of statement do you think Goya was trying to make here? Curator: Goya lived through immense social upheaval, and his art often reflects that. Consider the context: the Enlightenment's ideals challenged traditional power structures, yet inequality persisted. How might this image be a commentary on power, age, and desire within such a tumultuous environment? Editor: So, you're suggesting it's not just a strange scene, but a critique of societal power dynamics? Curator: Exactly. Goya uses grotesque imagery to expose uncomfortable truths about the human condition. Perhaps he is questioning the very beliefs that uphold these inequalities. What do you think the inscription adds? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way, but now I see how it fits within his broader social commentary. It's really unsettling, but powerful. Curator: Indeed. Art can be a powerful tool for social critique.