The artwork titled “Now they are sitting well” was created by Francisco Goya in 1799. This piece is part of his famous series “Los Caprichos” and serves as a notable example of the Romanticism art movement. It is produced using the techniques of aquatint and etching on paper, with dimensions measuring approximately 21.5 cm by 15.5 cm. The genre of the artwork is caricature, which often involves exaggerated portrayal of characters to invoke satire or humor.
In the artwork, we observe a scene infused with irony and perhaps social commentary, characteristic of Goya’s “Los Caprichos” series. A group of individuals is depicted in a somewhat unsettling interaction. The central figure, likely a woman based on the attire and the suggestion of a skirt, stands with a broad, almost unnaturally wide smile on her face. She is flanked by two chairs tilted on their sides, appearing to trap or frame the seated characters. The individuals seated have their heads thrown back, with expressions that could signal laughter, surprise, or even discomfort.
Additional figures are present; one peers around the edge of the chair, while another crouches behind the central standing figure, both of them also displaying exaggerated facial expressions. The lines and shadows of the etching contribute to a dramatic and somewhat oppressive atmosphere, with strong contrasts creating a sense of depth and texture. The inscription “Ya tienen asiento” adds a narrative element, though without explicit context, it is open to interpretation, potentially alluding to a satirical comment on societal norms or behaviors.
Goya’s skill in rendering the human form and exploring the complexities of human nature is evident in this work. Through the medium of print, he communicates a story or a critique that transcends time, offering insights into the follies and vices that he perceived in the society of his era.
