Francisco Goya’s artwork titled “Correction” was crafted in 1799 as part of his renowned series “Los caprichos.” This particular piece falls into the genre of caricature and is exemplary of the Romanticism movement. It is an etching on paper, with dimensions of 21.7 cm by 15 cm. Presently, the artwork resides within a private collection.
The artwork is a compelling visual etching that portrays a chaotic assemblage of figures, rendered in a dark and dramatic tonality that suggests an air of criticism and social commentary, hallmarks of Goya’s Caprichos. In the foreground, several figures are depicted in grotesque exaggeration; their faces are contorted, suggesting intense emotions or reactions. Among them, a figure is prominently positioned with a beast-like visage and is garbed in ecclesiastical attire, which may imply a commentary on the clergy, a recurrent theme in Goya’s work. Above this tumult, a group of fanciful creatures, resembling gargoyles or chimeric beings, hover as if emerging from the dark backdrop, contributing to the nightmarish quality of the scene. The delicate balance of light and shadow creates a stark contrast that accentuates the foreboding atmosphere. The title “Correction,” juxtaposed with the unsettling visual elements, conveys a sense of satirical critique, possibly aimed at societal or institutional follies of the artist’s time.
