Francisco Goya’s artwork titled “They have flown,” created in 1799, is an etching and aquatint on paper that forms part of the “Los Caprichos” series. Goya’s work reflects the Romanticism movement and measures 21.5 cm by 15.5 cm. The genre of the artwork falls under caricature, revealing Goya’s ability to critique societal norms and behaviors through exaggerated and distorted figures.
The artwork presents a dramatic scene featuring figures suspended in mid-air as if caught in the act of flight or being forcefully swept away. The central figure is a woman portrayed with a wide-open mouth, expressing surprise or terror, and her clothes billow around her, suggesting vigorous movement. Below her, several other figures are depicted in various disorienting positions, adding to the chaotic and dynamic composition of the work. The use of dark and light contrasts effectively conveys a sense of depth, and the fluid lines imbue the artwork with a sense of motion. This etching serves not only as an artistic statement but also as a social commentary, characteristic of Goya’s critical eye towards the follies and vices of his time.
