Aesop 18th-19th century

Curator: This is Francisco Goya's print, "Aesop," currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The texture is captivating. You can almost feel the rough surface of the plate used to create this image. It feels very immediate, like witnessing a fleeting moment. Curator: Goya's work, especially his prints, often held a mirror up to the social and political issues of his time. This rendering of Aesop, the famous fabulist, may well have been a subtle commentary on the wisdom—or lack thereof—in society. Editor: Indeed. The way Goya used etching allows for a lot of tonal variation. You've got the heavy shadows defining Aesop's form versus the barely-there hatching describing the background. It's all in the application. Curator: Precisely. And understanding Goya's political leanings certainly enriches our perception. Editor: Absolutely. Considering the materials and techniques used helps us appreciate how art is constructed. Curator: Yes, it truly makes the work accessible.