And So Was His Grandfather - Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

A satirical etching from Goya's Los Caprichos series, mocking the obsession with noble ancestry through the depiction of a donkey studying his lineage.

This work is plate 39 from Los Caprichos, a series of eighty prints published by Francisco Goya in 1799. The series functions as a social critique, employing satire to address the corruption, superstition, and ignorance prevalent in Spanish society at the time. In this specific etching, Goya depicts a donkey seated at a desk, intently studying a genealogical book that traces a lineage of other donkeys. The title, Asta su Abuelo (And So Was His Grandfather), mocks the obsession with noble ancestry and bloodlines among the Spanish aristocracy. By replacing human figures with animals, Goya exposes the absurdity of those who pride themselves on heritage while lacking personal merit or intellect.

The technical execution relies on the combination of etching and aquatint. The aquatint process allows for the soft, tonal gradations seen in the background and the shading of the figure, which contrasts with the sharper, linear definition of the book and the donkey's features. Goya uses light to focus the viewer's attention on the subject, creating a sense of theatricality. The donkey is dressed in human clothing, a common device in Goya's work to suggest that the vices he portrays are universal human failings. The composition is stark, removing unnecessary detail to ensure the satirical message remains clear. This print remains a significant example of Goya's ability to use the medium of printmaking as a vehicle for political and social commentary, demonstrating his keen observation of human folly and his refusal to conform to the artistic expectations of his era.