The artwork “He broke the pitcher,” created by Francisco Goya in 1799, is an etching and aquatint on paper that belongs to the Romanticism movement. This caricature measures 21.5 x 15.5 cm and is part of the series “Los Caprichos.”
In this artwork, Goya depicts a scene where a young boy is being scolded by a woman—presumably his mother or caretaker—who holds him closely as she reprimands him. The boy appears contrite or resigned as he is embraced by the woman, who seems to be speaking to him with an expressive gesture. On the ground, the broken pieces of the pitcher mentioned in the title scatter across the floor, suggesting the aftermath of the boy’s mistake. In the background, clothes hang on lines to dry, indicating a domestic, everyday setting. The monochromatic palette enhances the dramatic tension of the moment captured by Goya, who excelled at conveying human experiences and emotions through his masterful printmaking techniques. The text “Se quebró el cantaro” at the bottom of the piece translates as “He broke the pitcher,” providing a succinct commentary on the depicted scene.
