“The Chinchillas” is an etching on paper produced by the renowned artist Francisco Goya in 1799. This work is a component of “Los Caprichos,” a series that stands as a notable example of the Romanticism movement in art. The artwork, measuring 21 by 15 cm, falls within the caricature genre and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork presents a dynamic and somewhat unsettling scene rendered in a monochromatic palette, characteristic of etching as a medium. It depicts three central figures engaged in dramatic and exaggerated postures, often interpreted as a critique of social behaviors or mores of the time. The dominant tones are dark, with striking contrast between the light and shadow, contributing to an atmosphere that is both intense and foreboding. Each figure portrays exaggerated expressions and attire that amplify the caricatured aspect Goya sought to achieve, showcasing his masterful ability to skewer social follies through his incisive visual commentary.
