GOYA: THE WITCHES AND OLD WOMEN ALBUM, The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2, until 25 May 2015
Francisco Goya (1746-1828)
Pesadilla (Nightmare)
‘Black Border’ Album (E), page 20
c. 1816-20
Brush, black ink with wash and scraping
364 x 181 mm
New York, The Morgan Library & Museum, 1959.13
This is a very special exhibition as it brings together all the known surviving drawings from one of Francisco Goya’s (1746 – 1828) private albums. It allows us to see his interpretations and thoughts on human nature, madness, mortality, superstitions and nightmares whether they be humorous or grotesque.
Francisco de Goya (1746- 1828)
Bajan riñendo, (They descend quarrelling)
‘Witches and Old Women’ Album (D), page 1
c. 1819-23
Brush, black and grey ink
235 x 143 mm
Private Collection
These albums, there were eight in all, were created after a near-fatal illness at the age of fifty which left him deaf. Even though he continued as the Spanish court painter his life and work changed after this. The albums were never meant to be seen outside a small group of friends and so as one might expect they have a greater freedom of expression.
Francisco Goya, (1746- 1828)
El sueno de la razon produce monstruos (The sleep of reason produces monsters)
‘Los Caprichos’ 43, in the Cean Bermudez trial (first edition) set, 1799
c. 1797-98
Etching, aquatint, drypoint and burin
217 x 153 mm
London, The British Museum, 1975,1025.420.48
Dr. Ernst Vegelin van Claerbergen, Head of The Courtauld Gallery says: “I am sure that visitors will be enthralled by this view of a very private and personal Goya.” I couldn’t agree more, it is an exquisite show.
Francisco de Goya (1746- 1828)
Hasta la muerte. (Until death.) c. 1797 – 98
‘Los Caprichos’ 55, trial (first edition) set, 1799
Etching, burnished aquatint and drypoint, 215 x 151 mm
London, The British Museum
Tim Forrest's E & A 
Goya is the best