The artwork titled “Farewell” is a notable work by Francisco Goya created in 1799. This piece forms part of the “Los caprichos” series, and it is executed through the mediums of aquatint and etching on paper. It aligns with the Romanticism art movement and can be classified as a caricature in genre. The dimensions of this artwork are 21.5 x 15.5 cm, reflecting Goya’s talent for creating compelling images in a relatively small format.
“Farewell” portrays a haunting and dark scene with various figures that seem to be in a state of agitation or distress. The composition is dense with shadows and the figures appear to be intertwined, though the exact details of their interaction are not clear due to the monochromatic and atmospheric rendering. There is a sense of movement and turmoil, with the facial expressions suggesting fear, horror, or desperation. The deep ink tones create a moody atmosphere, which is characteristic of Goya’s work during this period. The etching captures the essence of Romanticism with its exploration of darker aspects of the human experience, and the treatment of the subject matter displays Goya’s critical viewpoint, often laced with social and political commentary. The inscription “Buen Viage” (sic), meaning “Good Journey” in English, is seemingly ironic or bittersweet, considering the chaos depicted in the scene above it.
