Woman battered with a cane 1797

Curator: Before us is Francisco de Goya's drawing "Woman battered with a cane," created in 1797 using pen, pencil, and possibly charcoal. It's a chilling piece. What strikes you about it initially? Editor: It's undeniably violent, even at a glance. The energy is chaotic, conveyed through the frantic lines and the woman's obvious distress. There is also this lurking older woman in the background. Who is she? Why isn't she trying to stop this? Curator: The brutal immediacy is a hallmark of Goya's work. I'm interested in the paper itself – likely laid paper, given the period – and the contrasting techniques used. See how the figure’s garments are rapidly sketched and cross-hatched versus how softly he renders some of the features with softer charcoal to build form. There is an interest in the mark making, which allows the artist to be raw in his emotions, no? Editor: Absolutely. The sketch-like quality amplifies the horror. The rapid strokes mirror the speed and brutality of the act itself. But beyond the formal aspects, the subject matter speaks volumes. Gendered violence was pervasive in 18th-century Spanish society. How much control did men have over their spouses and other family members? Is Goya perhaps using his medium as an avenue to voice social grievances? Curator: Exactly! I was just reading about this, his satirical commentary on class structure and human folly. His position in the Spanish court certainly colored the subject, material, and his modes of artistic production. His access to materials, patronage, and audience are significant and all contribute to how the narrative comes to light, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Indeed. We should be analyzing this drawing with intersectional perspectives on power structures, gender, and historical contexts. We can better see that “Woman Battered with a Cane” captures the harsh realities many women faced and invites conversations on how historical imbalances perpetuate power dynamics today. Curator: That intersection really elucidates the work! Examining this artwork has been illuminating. Thank you. Editor: And to you.