The artwork titled “Peasant Carrying a Woman” is a creation of the illustrious Francisco Goya, completed sometime between circa 1812 and circa 1823. This piece, crafted with wash on paper, is categorized within the Romanticism movement, an era known for its emphasis on emotion and individualism. The artwork’s dimensions are 20.5 x 14.2 cm, and its genre falls under caricature. This particular work of art resides within the collection of the Hispanic Society of America, located in New York City, NY, United States.
The artwork depicts a robust peasant carrying a woman on his shoulders, capturing a moment of either turmoil or vigor. The bold strokes and limited palette create a sense of movement and roughness, consistent with the characteristics of Romanticism that portray the extremes of human experience and emotion. The woman appears to be held securely by the peasant, who strides forward with determination and strength. The use of the wash technique provides the artwork with a fluid and dynamic appearance, emphasizing the physical effort and possible urgency embedded in the scene. The genre of caricature is evident in the exaggerated features and forms, which serve to heighten the expression and essence of the subjects depicted rather than to provide a realistic portrayal.
