Precieze dwaasheid 1815 - 1820

This is ‘Precieze dwaasheid’, an etching by Francisco de Goya. The work presents a scene of precarious balance: a woman stands atop a horse, which in turn is positioned on a tightrope amidst a shadowy, ambiguous setting. Notice how the artist plays with light and shadow, creating a visually striking contrast. The composition is structured by the converging lines of the tightrope, drawing the viewer's eye towards the central figures. This arrangement isn't merely decorative. It's semiotic. The tightrope symbolizes instability and the absurdity of human endeavors, while the crowd in the background represents society, its gaze fixed on the spectacle of folly. Goya employs a language of signs, inviting us to decode the cultural and political critiques embedded within the artwork. This challenges traditional values, engaging with new ways of thinking about representation. The calculated imbalance and the semiotic language employed serve as both an aesthetic choice and a philosophical statement. Art serves not as a static object, but as an invitation to question our perceptions and values.