The artwork titled “Here comes the bogey-man” is a distinguished creation by Francisco Goya, dating back to the year 1799. This piece belongs to the renowned “Los caprichos” series and is executed in aquatint and etching on paper. Embodying the Romanticism art movement, the artwork exhibits dimensions of 21.5 by 15.5 centimeters and falls within the genre of caricature.
The artwork portrays a scene steeped in shadow and suspense. It features a figure shrouded in a cloak that suggests menace or danger, standing in a dominating posture that looms over two other figures in the forefront. These two foreground figures appear to be a woman with her back turned to the viewer, who is recoiling in alarm, and a young child who clings to her, looking at the ominous figure with an expression of fear and apprehension.
The thematic essence of the piece delves into the realms of fantasy and societal commentary, a typical trait of Goya’s “Los Caprichos” series, which often explored the darker aspects of human nature and the flaws within the social fabric of his time. The use of light and shadow creates a dramatic effect, encapsulating the emotions of dread and uncertainty that permeate through the work.
In the lower part of the composition, there is a caption that reads “Que viene el Coco,” contributing to the narrative aspect of the work. This invites viewers to engage with the image beyond its visual impact, pondering on the broader implications of fear, superstition, or the warnings conveyed to children and society. The artwork, with its evocative illustration and underlying social critique, remains a powerful example of Goya’s masterful use of visual storytelling to reflect on the human condition.
