Devout Profession 18th-19th century

Editor: This is "Devout Profession" by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. It's a disturbing image, with figures piled on top of one another and ghoulish characters in the background. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Goya often critiqued social and political institutions, especially the Church. This piece likely comments on the hypocrisy and corruption Goya saw within religious practices of his time. Notice the distorted figures – how do they represent power dynamics? Editor: They seem to be exploiting those beneath them to gain access to the religious figures in the background. It is quite a scathing critique. Curator: Precisely. Goya used his art as social commentary, influencing public opinion through powerful imagery. It highlights the potential for art to engage in political discourse. Editor: I never considered the public role of art this way. Thanks!