The artwork titled “Pretty teacher” is an etching created by the renowned Spanish artist Francisco Goya in 1799. This piece is a part of the “Los Caprichos” series and falls within the Romanticism art movement, known for its emphasis on emotion and individualism. The medium of this caricature is drypoint and etching on paper, with dimensions of 21.4 cm by 15 cm. As of the provided information, the artwork resides within a private collection.
In “Pretty teacher,” the viewer is presented with a eerily whimsical scene. The central figure appears to be a witch in flight, distinguishable by her wild hair, broomstick, and the dark nocturnal setting that typifies scenes of witchery. Her exaggerated features and posture lend a caricatural quality to the work, emphasizing the satire that Goya often embedded in his pieces. Accompanying her ascent is a ghostly bird-like creature, which adds to the supernatural atmosphere of the scene. The etching technique employed by Goya results in rich textures and a sense of motion that is palpable, enhancing the unsettling yet intriguing charm of the work. The caption “Linda maestra!” which translates to “Pretty teacher!” further implies a sardonic tone, as it juxtaposes the conventional beauty or grace associated with the word “pretty” against the grotesque portrayal of the character, thus intensifying the caricatural aspect of the artwork.
