The artwork “Who is more overcome?” by Francisco Goya, created in 1799, is an expressive piece executed in aquatint and etching on paper, measuring 21.5 x 15.5 cm. As a part of the “Los Caprichos” series, it reflects the Romanticism movement and is categorized within the caricature genre. It is a satirical work that showcases Goya’s adeptness not only as a painter but also as a printmaker.
The artwork in question depicts a scene with two central figures, seemingly a man loyally or desperately hanging onto a woman who stands confidently upright with an air of indifference or perhaps superiority. She exhibits a bold stance and a direct gaze that may suggest self-assurance or dominance. The man, conversely, appears to exhibit a contrasting disposition of need or supplication. In the foreground, to the left of the couple, is a toy figure, possibly a doll, splayed on the ground. This element introduces a further layer of interpretation, potentially suggesting notions of manipulation, control, or the plaything nature of the relationship dynamics. The caption, “Quien mas rendido?” which translates to “Who is more overcome?” accentuates the ambiguity and the tension between the characters, prompting reflection on the nature of their interaction.
Goya’s use of dark, atmospheric tones and stark contrasts created by his masterful aquatint technique heightens the dramatic effect, inviting the viewer to consider the deeper commentaries on human behavior, societal norms, or personal relationships that Goya was known to explore through his “Los Caprichos” series. The work is evocative and remains open to various interpretations, laying bare the complexities and absurdities of human social interactions.
