Other laws by the people or beast (Absurdity) - Francisco Goya

A haunting etching from Goya's Los Disparates series, depicting an imposing elephant before a group of figures in a surreal, atmospheric setting.

This work belongs to the series known as Los Disparates, or The Follies, produced by Francisco Goya during his later years. These prints occupy a unique position in his catalogue, as they lack the explicit political commentary found in his earlier series like The Disasters of War. Instead, they explore the irrational, the grotesque, and the dreamlike nature of human existence.

In this specific composition, an elephant stands as a massive, imposing figure before a group of figures dressed in traditional or ecclesiastical robes. The scale of the animal is exaggerated, creating a sense of displacement and unease. The figures appear to be observing or perhaps worshipping the beast, their postures suggesting a mixture of reverence and confusion. Goya uses aquatint to create deep, atmospheric shadows that contrast with the stark, illuminated ground upon which the elephant stands. The texture of the animal's skin is rendered with precise, etched lines, while the background remains largely obscured, adding to the sense of mystery.

Goya’s technique in this series demonstrates his mastery of printmaking. He employs a combination of etching, aquatint, and drypoint to achieve a wide range of tonal values. The composition is stark, focusing the viewer's attention on the interaction between the human figures and the animal. The title, which translates to 'Other laws by the people or beast', suggests a critique of societal norms or the arbitrary nature of authority. By placing a beast in a position of prominence, Goya invites the viewer to question the logic of the world he depicts. This print is a fine example of his ability to blend social observation with the surreal, creating images that remain open to interpretation long after their creation.