Francisco de Goya
52. Lo Que Puede un Sastre!, 1799
What a tailor can do!
Original etching and aquatint on paper from ‘Los Caprichos’. From the first edition ‘before scratch’ published in 1799. Image size: 150 x 215 mm Frame size: 335 x 410 mm...
Original etching and aquatint on paper from ‘Los Caprichos’. From the first edition ‘before scratch’ published in 1799.
Image size: 150 x 215 mm
Frame size: 335 x 410 mm
Goya's commentary:
How often can some ridiculous creature be suddenly transformed into a presumptuous coxcomb who is nothing but appears to be much. That is what can be done by the ability of a tailor and the stupidity of those who judge things by their appearance.
Los Caprichos:
Not only is this a first edition, but one of the earliest. After the first 25 or so pulls were taken, a scratch appeared on plate 45, which is to be seen on all subsequent editions. This print is from one of these rare sets, before scratch. The subtlety of tone and lush quality of the aquatint printing in this etching is unrivalled and will be exactly as Goya had intended. It is also highly likely that Goya would have handled this very print.
This artwork is framed.