Francisco Goya, the esteemed artist, created the artwork titled “They are hot” between 1797 and 1798. This piece is an etching on paper, measuring 21.9 x 15.3 cm, and belongs to the Romanticism movement. It serves as a caricature within Goya’s famous “Los Caprichos” series and is currently held in a private collection. “They are hot” exemplifies Goya’s satirical eye and his engagement with social commentary during that period.
The artwork is a visual study in expression and gestures, rendered with the characteristic darkness and intensity that marks much of Goya’s work. It depicts a scene of three individuals around a table, with a fourth figure looming in the background. The primary subjects appear animated and engaged in an intense discussion or interaction, focused on an object on the table, which they seem to be pointing at or referencing. Their faces are dramatically lit, with deep shadows carving out their exaggerated facial expressions that contribute to the caricature genre of the artwork. These arresting facial expressions suggest a moment of surprise, excitement, or agitation. The etching technique employed by Goya allows for a rich depth of tone and texture, adding to the dramatic effect of the scene. The use of light and shadow, as well as the detailed rendering of the figures’ features and garments, are indicative of the Romanticism movement’s emphasis on emotion and the human experience. The fourth figure, with a less distinct yet watchful presence, adds a layer of mystery or authority to the composition. The exact narrative is left to the viewer’s interpretation, as is characteristic of Goya’s capricious works that often present enigmatic scenes open to various readings.
