The artwork titled “Accuse the Time,” created by Francisco Goya between 1802 and 1812, is a piece that reflects the Romanticism movement. Crafted using a combination of brush, pen, and pencil on paper, this caricature measures 26.3 x 18.5 cm. Presently, it is housed in the Rijksmuseum, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts an older individual hunched over in an expressive posture, conveying a sense of distress or weariness, perhaps as a commentary on the passage of time and its effects. The figure is sketched primarily in grayscale tones, with Goya’s commanding lines capturing the textures of fabric and the subtleties of human expression. The person’s dynamic gesture and the contrasting shades help to emphasize the emotional intensity characteristic of Romanticism, reflecting the artist’s keen ability to portray human nature and its intricacies. The minimalistic approach, focusing on the figure without including a detailed background, enhances the impact of the subject’s pose and expression.
The caption “Fugate al tiempo” (which translates to “Escape from time” or “Flee the time”) inscribed below the artwork further reinforces the theme of battling against the inexorable march of time. Goya’s work remains a poignant reminder of the Romantic fascination with the emotional aspect of human experience.
