The artwork titled “Wait till you have been anointed” is a piece by the renowned artist Francisco Goya, created in 1799. Employing the techniques of drypoint and etching on paper, Goya crafted this work during the Romantic period, known for its emphasis on emotion and individuality. Measuring 15.3 cm by 21.8 cm, this caricature is a part of the “Los Caprichos” series and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a bizarre and striking scene featuring anthropomorphic figures in a grotesque display, a characteristic element of Goya’s satirical approach in the “Los Caprichos” series. The central figure, given bestial features that may suggest a monkey or a dog, is perched atop two other figures, dramatically gesturing upwards with its arms. Below, a donkey-like creature and a human figure, distorted with exaggerated and gaunt features, balance the central figure, their attention focused on a bowl positioned between them. The image conveys a sense of ritual or preparation, likely alluding to the folly and irrationality that Goya often critiqued in society through his work. The expressions on the characters’ faces, the dynamic positioning of their bodies, and the overall composition offer a powerful commentary on themes of ignorance and superstition that Goya explored throughout the “Los Caprichos” series.
