Revenge on Constable Lampiños c. 1812 - 1820

Curator: This ink drawing, created sometime between 1812 and 1820, is attributed to Francisco de Goya, and is titled "Revenge on Constable Lampiños." It looks intense. Editor: The first thing I notice is how the frenzied lines create such an immediate sense of chaotic energy. The earthy tones make it feel like the scene is unfolding right in front of you. It's claustrophobic! Curator: The physical act of drawing with ink lends itself well to portraying this sort of charged subject matter. Look how the dense, dark strokes build form, creating deep shadows and compressing the figures within the composition. The rapid execution almost becomes performative. Editor: Absolutely! You can almost feel Goya’s own agitated state as he created it. This wasn’t leisurely studio work, more like a feverish outpouring. And it speaks volumes about the socio-political unrest of the time, doesn't it? Curator: Without a doubt. Consider the title itself. "Revenge." We’re seeing a representation of popular justice enacted upon an officer, suggesting a deep distrust of authority and legal systems during that era. The labor, here, is of both artistic creation and vigilante retribution. Editor: I see it too. What I get from it is a primal scream— the pain of injustice, rendered visible. In fact, thinking about injustice makes me ponder the use of brown ink...It could suggest how all these bodies melt into one another, making it hard to spot the real 'wrongdoer', in what would certainly have been considered an act of anarchy. What I read, through his work, is that the 'people' take collective action against authorities that abuse their power... Curator: It’s a fascinating detail— the relative disposability of the medium underscoring the urgent political context. Goya frequently subverted the perceived value of art, choosing inexpensive materials for profound statements. Editor: Agreed. A visceral response made permanent with just ink and paper... something almost ephemeral but terrifying nonetheless. Curator: Yes. When you reflect upon all the circumstances around it, from process to production to theme, the drawing certainly stands as a formidable act of resistance. Editor: Exactly. It makes me rethink how seemingly humble artistic materials can convey tremendous power. It still resonates strongly.