Nothing. The Event Will Tell 18th-19th century

Curator: Goya's print, "Nothing. The Event Will Tell," presents an unsettling scene. It feels oppressive, the darkness punctuated by what look like disembodied faces. Editor: It’s interesting to consider the printmaking process here; the aquatint and etching techniques would have allowed Goya to create those rich tonal variations. Curator: Look at the fallen figure, seemingly crushed beneath a wooden beam and a sheet bearing some script. The beam feels symbolic, perhaps representing oppressive forces. Editor: And those faces looming in the background, they could signify a collective conscience, or perhaps the specter of judgment. Curator: The materiality of printmaking itself becomes a means of disseminating these dark visions—the etchings allowing for mass production and widespread distribution of Goya's social critique. Editor: It's a bleak picture, and even the title, "Nothing. The Event Will Tell," suggests an impending doom or revelation. Curator: Indeed, the ambiguity allows the viewer to project their own anxieties onto the scene. It’s quite a feat of artistic commentary, however grim. Editor: Agreed. Goya's dark vision, technically realized, continues to resonate across centuries.