Tal para qual. 1796 - 1797

Francisco Goya made this etching, titled "Tal para qual," which translates to "Like attracts like," in Spain. The image presents a commentary on Spanish society. Here, Goya is showing a masked woman in an elaborate dress, being escorted by a man of status, perhaps a military man. In the background, we see a procuress, acting as a go-between. Masks were a feature of the aristocratic life, and a symbol of deception and hidden intentions. During this period, the Spanish monarchy and aristocracy were in decline. The Enlightenment had brought new ideas about reason and social justice, threatening old institutions. Goya worked for both the royal court and progressive thinkers, giving him a unique view of these conflicting worlds. To understand Goya's art, we need to look at the historical context, studying the writings and images of the time, so that we can understand what Goya was trying to communicate about his changing world.