Hilan delgado. 1796 - 1797

This is "Hilan delgado," a print made by Francisco de Goya, who lived from 1746 to 1828. Goya's chosen process, etching, is a powerful method for creating linear detail and tonal variation, achieved through the careful application of acid to a metal plate. Notice how the etched lines define the figures' forms, emphasizing their age and physical decay, but also drawing our attention to the textures of their clothing and the objects surrounding them. This work's social significance comes from its unflinching portrayal of poverty and marginalization. The printmaking process itself, with its reliance on skilled labor and the production of multiples, mirrors the social issues of labor and class that Goya explores within the image. By focusing on the materials and making, we can appreciate how Goya challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, using a 'replicable' medium to tackle complex social themes.