Muchachos al avío. 1796 - 1797

Francisco de Goya made this etching, titled ‘Muchachos al avío,’ using metal, acid, and ink. Goya was a master of the printmaking medium. The aquatint technique he employs here involves exposing a copper plate to acid, creating a tonal effect. We can see this in the areas of shadow and depth, achieved by varying the duration and concentration of the acid. Goya's skill lies in his manipulation of these materials to create a range of textures, from the rough fabric of the men's clothing to the smooth surface of their skin. The image captures a scene of apparent leisure, yet the figures' expressions and the sharp knife suggest an underlying tension. By focusing on the materiality and process of this print, we can appreciate how Goya elevated a relatively common medium to a powerful form of social commentary.