The artwork titled “Rise and Fall” is an etching on paper by Francisco Goya, created in 1799. It belongs to the Romanticism art movement and is part of the “Los caprichos” series. This caricature measures 21 x 15 cm and is presently held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a compelling scene fraught with dynamic movement and powerful emotion. It depicts a figure losing their balance and falling backward, with another figure standing triumphantly above them. The central figures are rendered with vigorous lines and a contrast of light and shadow that create a dramatic effect typical of Goya’s work in this series. The facial expression of the figure on top is exuberant and almost theatrical, embodying a sense of mockery or dominance, while the other figure’s portray a sense of shock and desperation. These elements contribute to an overall feeling of tension and a narrative that speaks to the consequences of hubris or the transient nature of power and status, themes that Goya often explored in his work. Moreover, the stark use of black and white contributes to the severity of the portrayed moment, emphasizing the gravity of the fall. Overall, the artwork encapsulates a moment of decisive change with underlying social or moral implications.
