The artwork titled “Be quick, they are waking up” is a notable etching on paper by the esteemed artist Francisco Goya, completed in the year 1799. As part of his renowned series “Los caprichos,” this piece is imbued with the spirit of Romanticism, an art movement that celebrated individualism, emotion, and imagination. The dimensions of this caricature measure 21.8 cm in height and 15.2 cm in width. Currently, the artwork is housed within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a scene with two figures that appear to be in a precarious and secretive situation. The central focus is a person leaning over what seems to be a wooden railing or structure, with a second character beside them, gazing into the distance with a possibly anxious expression. Both figures wear loose, draped clothing and have headwear that casts their facial features in shadow, adding to the work’s mysterious atmosphere. The etching’s technique brings out rich textures and contrast, adding a foreboding quality to the scene. The intricacy of Goya’s lines captures the urgency and tension of the moment portrayed. The title and the depicted figures suggest a narrative where stealth is crucial, perhaps indicating a criticism or commentary on the society of his time, a common thread throughout “Los caprichos” series.