Self-Portrait; Plate 1 from "Los Caprichos"
In the first plate from the Caprichos, Goya presents himself as a sardonic observer of contemporary society; even nineteenth-century commentaries describe his censorious, somewhat pained expression as satirical. The image has been said to embody observation as a "model of artistic endeavor," in contrast with imagination, the subject of a second self-portrait in the Caprichos, hanging nearby. After transferring the preparatory red chalk drawing to the copperplate (1972.118.295), Goya made various corrections before applying aquatint in two layers to achieve the tonal values of a wash drawing. Goya was one of the first Spanish artists to use the aquatint process, which produces tiny etched channels that, when inked, print as a veil of tone.
Los Caprichos was published in Madrid in 1799. The series deal broadly with superstition and human folly. They were the artist’s personal declaration that the chains of social backwardness had to be broken if humanity was to advance, attesting to his political liberalism and his contempt for ignorance and intellectual oppression. Goya’s expression and elegant attire provide a compelling introduction to the series, announcing him as the creator while revealing the gravity of his personality and his intentions.
Los Caprichos was published in Madrid in 1799. The series deal broadly with superstition and human folly. They were the artist’s personal declaration that the chains of social backwardness had to be broken if humanity was to advance, attesting to his political liberalism and his contempt for ignorance and intellectual oppression. Goya’s expression and elegant attire provide a compelling introduction to the series, announcing him as the creator while revealing the gravity of his personality and his intentions.
Artwork Details
- Title: Self-Portrait; Plate 1 from "Los Caprichos"
- Series/Portfolio: Los Caprichos
- Artist: Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes) (Spanish, Fuendetodos 1746–1828 Bordeaux)
- Sitter: Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes) (Spanish, Fuendetodos 1746–1828 Bordeaux)
- Date: 1799
- Medium: Etching, aquatint, drypoint, burin
- Dimensions: Plate: 8 9/16 × 5 7/8 in. (21.7 × 15 cm)
Sheet: 12 5/16 × 8 3/16 in. (31.2 × 20.8 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Francis Ormond, 1950
- Object Number: 50.558.33
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes)
1799, posthumous impression
Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes)
ca. 1815–19 (published 1864)
Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes)
ca. 1815–19 (published 1864)
Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes)
ca. 1815–19 (published 1864)
Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes)
ca. 1815–19 (published 1864)
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.