The artwork titled “Disparate furioso,” created by Francisco Goya between 1816 and 1823, is an etching on paper that belongs to the Romanticism movement. Characterized as a caricature, it forms part of the “Disparate” series, showcasing Goya’s critical reflection on the society of his time.
In the artwork, one observes a dynamic and tumultuous scene filled with intense action. The etching portrays figures in a state of frenzy and confusion. In the foreground, a man is wielding a stick or a cudgel with aggressive intent, while others seem to be in various stages of reaction – one appears to be recoiling and another facing away. The play of light and dark elements across the composition highlights the dramatic nature of the scene. The stark contrasts and the manner in which the characters are depicted, with exaggerated features and gestures, are indicative of the caricature genre.
The background appears to be indistinct, perhaps to throw the focus onto the frenzied actions of the figures at the forefront. Goya’s skillful use of etching techniques adds to the expressive quality of the work, emphasizing the theme of irrationality and the absurd, which is a recurrent subject in the “Disparate” series. This series, which includes “Disparate furioso,” is known for its critical and often somber reflection on human folly and the darker aspects of the human psyche.
