The artwork entitled “What a Tailor can do!” is a creation by Francisco Goya, dating back to 1799. It is an etching on paper and can be categorized under the Romanticism movement. The dimensions of this caricature are 21.5 x 15.5 cm, and it is part of the “Los caprichos” series. At present, the artwork is held within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a scene charged with dramatics and implication, in which the central figure appears to be a tailor, loftily elevating his arms as if performing an act of extraordinary craft. This exaggerated gesture, depicted in the style of a caricature, implies a moment of both humor and social commentary, which is a characteristic of Goya’s works in “Los Caprichos”. Surrounding the central figure are several onlookers, some appearing to admire or be in wonder of the “tailor’s” actions, while others seem to be whispering or gossiping about the spectacle. This blend of admiration and rumor hints at the satirical nature of the work, suggesting the tailor’s status and self-importance given by society, and possibly critiquing the superficial values of the time. The etching technique gives the scene a dynamic and textured quality, with shadows and lines used effectively to create depth and movement.
