Subir y bajar. 1796 - 1797

This is "Subir y bajar," or "Rising and falling," a print by Francisco de Goya. The composition is striking: a brightly lit figure, almost demonic in its glee, stands atop a dark, crouching figure. Goya masterfully uses light and shadow to create a sense of unease and imbalance. The stark contrast between the figures not only highlights the oppressor and the oppressed, but also destabilizes any sense of moral certainty. The grotesque imagery pushes beyond mere satire into a darker commentary on human nature and society. Note how Goya uses the technique of aquatint to achieve a range of tonal effects, with the deep blacks enhancing the sense of dread and the lighter grays suggesting a world in chaos. This print challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, dominance, and the cyclical nature of human folly.