The artwork “How they break her barrel” is a creation by the esteemed artist Francisco Goya, dating back to 1799. This piece is an example of the Romanticism movement and is notable for its use of aquatint and etching on paper. It is characterized by its caricature genre and forms part of the “Los Caprichos” series. The dimensions of the work are relatively modest, being 21.5 cm in height and 15.5 cm in width.
In the artwork, we observe a group of figures engaged in what appears to be a ritualistic or symbolic activity. The central figure, a woman, is being surrounded by individuals who exhibit exaggerated and somewhat grotesque facial expressions and physical features, a common characteristic of caricature. The scene seems to be taking place indoors, and the dark, sketch-like quality of the work creates a sense of drama and intensity. The etching contains fine details that contribute to the overall mood of the scene, suggesting a narrative that speaks to the viewer through its visual elements and the artist’s critical eye.
