The Proverbs: Two Heads are Better than One or Poor Folly - Francisco de Goya

A haunting etching and aquatint from Goya's 'Los Disparates' series, capturing a scene of psychological tension and dark, ambiguous narrative.

This work belongs to the series known as 'Los Disparates' or 'The Proverbs', a collection of prints produced by Francisco de Goya during his later years in Madrid. These images are characterised by their dreamlike, often nightmarish quality, moving away from the clear social commentary found in his earlier series like 'Los Caprichos'. In this specific composition, Goya employs a combination of etching and aquatint to create a stark, atmospheric scene. A central female figure appears to be caught in a moment of agitation or flight, her form contrasted against a group of onlookers who remain static and obscured by shadow. The use of aquatint allows for deep, velvety blacks and subtle grey washes, which define the architectural space and the heavy garments of the figures. The ambiguity of the subject matter is typical of the series, where Goya explores themes of human folly, superstition, and the irrational nature of the mind. The figures on the right are rendered with a sense of heaviness, their faces partially hidden, which adds to the unsettling mood of the print. The background is minimal, focusing the viewer's attention on the interaction between the central figure and the surrounding group. Goya's technique here demonstrates his mastery of tonal variation, using the metal plate to capture light and shadow in a way that suggests movement and psychological tension. This print remains a significant example of Goya's late period, reflecting his interest in the darker aspects of the human condition and his willingness to experiment with the boundaries of printmaking as a medium for personal expression.