No grites, tonta. 1796 - 1797

Francisco Goya created this print, “No grites, tonta.”, using etching and aquatint. The linear precision of etching captures the scene's haunting quality, while the aquatint lends depth and texture to the shadowy figures. Goya was very skilled and it shows in his technique, he meticulously applied acid to a metal plate to bite into the surface, creating lines and tones to capture the scene. His prints capture the tumultuous period of Spanish history, with its political unrest and social inequalities. The image depicts the threat faced by women in society by the hand of supernatural figures, while also acting as a social critique of the vulnerable members of society. Goya used his skills to comment on the social issues of his time, and the power of printmaking allowed him to disseminate his ideas to a wide audience. Through the thoughtful use of materials and techniques, printmakers like Goya have challenged traditional distinctions between art and craft.