Ya es hora (It is time) - Francisco de Goya

A satirical etching from Goya's Los Caprichos series, depicting a group of figures in monastic dress with distorted, frantic expressions.

This etching, titled Ya es hora (It is time), belongs to the series Los Caprichos, a collection of eighty prints published by Francisco de Goya in 1799. The series functions as a social critique, targeting the superstitions, corruption, and ignorance prevalent in Spanish society during the late eighteenth century.

In this specific plate, Goya depicts a group of figures dressed in monastic habits. Their expressions are distorted, conveying a sense of frantic urgency or perhaps a grotesque parody of religious fervour. The central figure stands with arms raised, while others around him exhibit similar exaggerated gestures. The use of aquatint provides a tonal depth that enhances the shadows and the unsettling atmosphere of the scene. Goya employs sharp, biting lines to define the features of the figures, creating a sense of movement and chaos.

Los Caprichos remains a significant body of work for its departure from traditional portraiture and religious iconography. Goya used the medium of printmaking to explore themes of human folly and societal decay. By combining etching with aquatint, he achieved a range of grey tones that add texture to the garments and the background. This print is an example of Goya's ability to blend realism with caricature, inviting the viewer to interpret the moral implications of the scene. The title, inscribed at the bottom, adds a layer of ambiguity, leaving the viewer to question what exactly the time has come for in this grim assembly.