Goya. The Complete Prints

Francisco de Goya stands out as a pioneering figure in the realm of printmaking from the late 18th to the early 19th centuries. Renowned for his etchings and lithographs, Goya mastered modern printmaking techniques, crafting works that captured profound insights into his era. Educated in Spain and Italy, he rose to prominence as the First Court Painter to Charles IV. His art intertwined Enlightenment ideals with the harsh realities of his time, creating a juxtaposition that spoke volumes. Through poignant single pieces like "The Garrotted Man" and "Seated Giant," as well as his notable series including "Caprichos," "Desastres de la Guerra," "Tauromaquia," and "Disparates," Goya's work chronicled an era marked by turmoil and upheaval. These pieces weren't mere reflections; they were sharp critiques and thought-provoking commentaries engraved on copperplates. This comprehensive collection, featuring 287 etchings and lithographs, includes works supervised directly by Goya along with rare proofs from unpublished series, offering a rare glimpse into his creative process. Accompanied by insightful essays from José Manuel Matilla and Anna Reuter, it represents more than two centuries of scholarly effort, providing a powerful narrative of Goya’s exploration of the balance between reason and madness, justice and cruelty, hope and despair. Through his art, Goya dissected the world around him, exposing the enduring struggles of human nature.