The artwork titled “And they still won’t go” is a piece by the renowned artist Francisco Goya, dating back to 1799. This work is executed using the mediums of aquatint and etching on paper and belongs to Goya’s “Los Caprichos” series. It is a caricature that reflects the Romanticism art movement, measuring 21.5 cm by 15.5 cm in dimensions.
The artwork showcases a vivid scene that seems to be entrenched in allegory or satire. It depicts a group of figures struggling with an enormous, geometric mass that they are attempting to support or move. This piece illustrates a powerful interaction between human figures and the overwhelming burden they bear, marked by expressions of strain and exertion. Dark tones and strong contrasts typify Goya’s use of aquatint to reinforce the dramatic tension of the scene. The work may be interpreted as a social or political commentary, which is characteristic of Goya’s satirical style in his “Los Caprichos” series, conveying his critical perspectives on the society of his time. The image is dynamic and the viewer can almost feel the weight being supported by the figures, highlighting the intensity of their struggle. The words “Y aun no se van!” which translate to “And they still won’t go!” add a layer of narrative or dialogue to the artwork, possibly indicating the futility of the effort or the stubbornness of certain elements, themes that resonate with the Romantic movement’s focus on the human experience and emotion.
