Asta su abuelo (And So Was His Grandfather)

Art Historical Context

Francisco Goya's *Asta su abuelo (And So Was His Grandfather)* published in 1799 is a striking print from the Spanish master's renowned series *Los Caprichos*. satirical work critiques the persistence of ignorance and superstition across generations, with its title wryly implying that folly is inherited like family traits. Created during a turbulent era in late 18th-century Spain—marked by Enlightenment ideals clashing with entrenched traditions—Goya used his art to expose societal vices, blending dark humor with profound social commentary. The medium, lift-ground aquatint combined with aquatint on laid paper, showcases Goya's innovative printmaking prowess. Aquatint produces rich, tonal gradations mimicking ink wash or painting, while the lift-ground technique allows for delicate highlights by selectively removing ground from the plate. At just 21.4 × 15 cm, this intimate plate packs a visual punch, its intricate details rewarding close inspection. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection, it exemplifies Goya's Romantic shift toward expressive, unflinching realism. As a cornerstone of Goya's oeuvre, *Asta su abuelo* invites visitors to reflect on timeless human flaws, bridging 18th-century critique with modern resonance.

About the Artist

Francisco Goya

Francisco Goya, born on March 30, 1746, in the small Aragonese village of Fuendetodos, Spain, to a gilder father and a mother from a family claiming minor nobility, displayed artistic promise early. At age 14, he apprenticed under painter José Luzán y Martínez in Zaragoza, honing his skills by copying prints before working independently. After unsuccessful attempts to enter Madrid's Real Academia ...