Pretty Teacher! c. 18th century

Editor: This is Goya’s etching, "Pretty Teacher!" It looks like a grotesque figure is riding piggyback on another person, perhaps flying. What’s going on here? What do you see in this piece in terms of its social commentary? Curator: Goya often used imagery of witches and the supernatural to critique Spanish society and the Church. The title itself, "Pretty Teacher!", is likely sarcastic. Editor: Sarcastic? Curator: Yes. Consider who is being taught, who is doing the teaching, and the power dynamics at play. Goya challenges the authority figures of his time, exposing corruption and hypocrisy through satire. What do you make of the darkness enveloping the scene? Editor: It heightens the sense of unease and hints at hidden evils. I see what you mean about societal critique now. Curator: Indeed.