The artwork “Swallow it, dog” is a creation by the renowned artist Francisco Goya, dated to the year 1799. Utilizing mediums such as drypoint and etching on paper, it reflects the Romanticism art movement. The artwork measures 21.9 by 15.2 cm and falls under the genre of caricature. It is part of the artist’s famous series “Los Caprichos” and is currently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, there is a dramatic and somewhat disturbing scene depicted. The central figure appears to be a man restrained by a cloth, with his head being forced back by another figure to the right, who seems to be force-feeding him. The man’s expression is one of distress and discomfort. Surrounding these two figures are several other characters, whose faces are contorted into ghastly expressions of seeming glee or mania, enhancing the sinister ambiance of the piece. Behind this disturbing tableau, the scene is shrouded in darkness, lending an ominous, oppressive atmosphere to the work. The caption “Trágala perro” inscribed below translates to “Swallow it, dog”, indicating a coercive or punishing action. The etching exudes a powerful social commentary, likely critiquing some aspect of society’s moral or political state, which is characteristic of the works in “Los Caprichos”.