The artwork titled “What more can one do?” was created by the esteemed Spanish artist Francisco Goya between the years 1812 and 1815. This piece is a significant work within his notable series “The Disasters of War.” Crafted with the techniques of aquatint and etching upon paper, the artwork is an embodiment of the Romanticism art movement. Its dimensions are relatively modest, measuring at 15.8 by 20.8 centimeters. The genre of the piece is recognized as caricature, providing a satirical yet poignant perspective on the human condition during times of conflict.
In the artwork, viewers are presented with a scene of considerable gravity and intensity. Three figures are engaged in an act involving a prone animal form. The demeanor and attire of the individuals suggest a setting grounded in the somber realities of their era. The central character seems to be exerting force upon the animal, while the other two stand in attendance. The composition is handled with a vigorous use of line and contrast, a testament to Goya’s mastery of the aquatint and etching mediums. His adeptness at rendering the textures of clothing and the expressions of the figures contributes to the compelling narrative quality of the work. Each stroke contributes to a visceral representation that reflects Goya’s critical eye towards the tumultuous events of his time, making the artwork resonate with the sense of desperation and societal critique characteristic of his oeuvre.
