Bon Voyage 18th-19th century

Curator: Goya's print, "Bon Voyage," presents us with a macabre scene of figures taking flight. Notice how Goya uses aquatint to create these shadowy depths. Editor: Ugh, "Bon Voyage"? More like "Bad Trip"! The darkness is overwhelming; it's like a nightmare taking wing, all feathered frenzy and skeletal faces. Curator: Indeed, the "voyage" here may symbolize a transition to the afterlife, a journey fraught with earthly anxieties. Goya often used wings in his art to represent the flight of reason. Editor: Reason? Honey, there’s no reason here—just primal fear rendered in sepia tones. It feels less like witnessing a departure, and more like staring into a void where hope forgot to pack its bags. Curator: Perhaps Goya sought to explore the darker aspects of human existence, challenging our perceptions of reality and morality. What remains consistent is the enduring power of symbols. Editor: Well, Goya sure knew how to throw a pity party—a dark, winged, and utterly captivating pity party.