Francesco de Goya: Los Caprichos (The Caprices)

The present work Francisco de Goya: Los Caprichos (Caprices) is dedicated to the analysis of the Francisco de Goya's graphical cycle of the same title. The artist, who was influenced by the ideas of his enlightened friends, by the consequences of a disease that undoubtedly changed his perception of the world, the author, who was encouraged by a desire for free expression in art, represents a landmark between traditional and modern Spanish art. Among the contemporary artistic preferences in the second half of the 18th century, we follow the gradual development of Francisco de Goya - graphic artist, its liberation from conventions and his move to the creation which reflects the author's personality and his views of the society. His original and enigmatic graphic work is based on many contrasts: it is technically innovative as Goya uses an unusual technique of etching and aquatints, and it also thematically reflects the ideas of many previous generations. The work is focused the collection Los Caprichos, which not only reflects the views of Goya's Enlightenment ideas, but it also builds on the rich folk traditions and superstitions. Based on studies of selected prints and literature we are looking for links between apparently different topics. The way the prostitution, witchcraft and the donkey figures..