The artwork titled “And his house is on fire” is a creation by Francisco Goya from 1799, demonstrating his adeptness in aquatint and etching on paper. Measuring 21.5 x 15.5 cm, this piece embodies the Romanticism art movement and is categorized within the genre of caricature. It is part of the critically acclaimed series “Los caprichos” by Goya.
In the artwork, we observe a single figure, portrayed with exaggerated features typical of caricature. The man appears in a state of mirth or confusion, seemingly oblivious to the fire burning beside him, which is consuming a portion of a wooden structure, likely a representation of his house based on the title. The use of dark and light contrasts accentuates the fire’s glow and the shadows cast across the scene. The facial expression of the man, along with the etching’s title captured in script at the bottom (“Y se le quema la casa”—”And his house is on fire”), suggests a satirical commentary on human folly or ignorance. Goya is known for infusing his works with social and political criticism, and this piece aligns with his approach to exposing human weaknesses and societal issues through his art.
