Masquerading asses being whipped by a man c. 1812 - 1820

This satirical drawing was made by Francisco Goya, at a time when Spain was undergoing immense political and social upheaval. Here we see a man whipping three figures wearing donkey masks, the text below the drawing translates to: “Even fleeing, they cry of the injustice of such disrespect toward their representation”. The anthropomorphic figures represent authority figures or members of the aristocracy, whom Goya often depicted as donkeys to mock their arrogance and lack of wisdom. Goya's work provides insight into his personal beliefs, marked by a deep skepticism towards authority and a sympathy for the oppressed. As a court painter, Goya was in a unique position to observe and critique the social and political structures of his time. The image evokes a strong sense of outrage at the abuse of power. It challenges traditional representations of authority, offering a scathing commentary on the corruption and injustices of Spanish society.