The shy man 1799

This etching, made by Francisco de Goya, depicts a scene of poverty, underscored by the figure huddled beneath a dark cloak. Notice the bowl and spoon, symbols of destitution, which recur throughout art history to depict not just hunger but a deeper social alienation. The act of eating, typically communal, is here rendered solitary and shameful. It reminds me of images of hermits or penitents, where self-denial is portrayed, but here, it is not voluntary. The shame is external, imposed by circumstance. Consider the recurring motif of the downcast gaze, found across cultures, signaling humility or guilt. Here, it becomes a mirror reflecting the viewer's own discomfort, a powerful engagement on a subconscious level. Such symbols persist, evolving through time, and surfacing again and again to reflect humanity’s ongoing struggles.