Goya, Francisco (1746-1828). Los Caprichos
Madrid, Calcografía Nacional, 1857. 5th ed. (Cano 1999, 148). Bound set of 80 etchings with aquatint, drypoint, and burnisher. Contemp. half leather w. engraved no. '1' on front cover. Sheet size 34 x 24 cm; plate size 22 x 15 cm. Good, rich impressions on sheets with full margins (only plate no. 40 of lesser quality). Small tears in margins of first plate. Boards browned, edges sl. rubbed. Little to no foxing, in very good condition.
With Los Caprichos, Goya produced one of the most powerful and visual commentaries on human behaviour. In 80 etchings, he satirically explores human folly and vice - from superstition, greed and social pretence, to clerical and political corruption - all enacted through a cast of animals, monks and fools. Ref.: Cano 1999, 148; Harris 35-115.