Here neither 1815

This etching, ‘Here Neither,’ was made by Francisco de Goya using a printing plate to mass produce images. The stark imagery stems from the aquatint process, where powdered resin is applied to a metal plate and then heated. Acid bites into the exposed areas, creating a textured surface that holds ink, creating a tonal effect when printed. Goya’s technique captures the harsh realities of conflict and its aftermath. The printmaking process allowed Goya to disseminate his critical commentary widely. The use of reproducible media challenges traditional notions of art as unique and precious. The artist is using the reproductive technology of printmaking to show us the brutal, repetitive consequences of conflict, and question the values of a society that perpetuates such violence. In ‘Here Neither,’ Goya merges the worlds of fine art and mass media, prompting us to consider the social and political dimensions inherent in the artwork itself, and challenging us to consider the role of the artist as a social commentator.