Religious Procession, Study for "Los Disparates" c. 1816

Curator: Here we have Francisco Goya's "Religious Procession, Study for 'Los Disparates'", a preparatory drawing for his series of etchings. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its swirling, almost chaotic energy. It feels like a dream, or perhaps a nightmare, rendered in sepia tones. Curator: The monochromatic treatment is indeed striking. Goya likely used a wash technique, layering diluted ink to build up tones and textures. This drawing provided a blueprint, informing the subsequent etched print. Editor: The medium definitely lends itself to that sense of unease. Look at how the figures seem to melt into one another, obscuring any individual identity. What does it tell us about Goya’s views on these public displays of faith? Curator: Given Goya's social commentary throughout "Los Disparates", it's probable that he was critiquing the performative aspects and perhaps the irrationality he perceived in such processions. The materiality of the drawing itself becomes a record of that critique. Editor: It makes me wonder what Goya was truly trying to process through the making of this piece. Curator: Indeed, by examining the means of production, we gain insight into Goya's process and perspective. Editor: It seems Goya was exploring the depths of human nature itself.