Description
The work "those who cannot" by Francisco Goya, dated in 1799, is a clear example of the innovative approach of the Aragonese painter towards the capture of the human condition. In it, Goya expresses his social concern and a deep criticism of the authorities and institutions of his time, an issue that prevails in many of his works. The composition focuses on a group of people who seem impossible, which evokes a feeling of impotence and suffering. Goya, through this painting, presents a visual comment on the marginalization of individuals who cannot integrate into society, either because of their physical, social or mental condition.
Visually, the work is distinguished by its use of color and light. The predominant tones are gray and terrous, which contribute to an atmosphere of melancholy and desolation. Goya uses a contrast between dim lighting and deep shadows, suggesting an internal conflict in the characters, who seem trapped in their own limitations. This use of chiaroscuro is a technique that Goya perfected throughout his career, creating a tension that resonates emotionally with the viewer.
The characters, although they do not stand out for a specific individualism, represent different aspects of humanity in a state of vulnerability. The way they are willing, almost piled up and with positions that suggest despair or surrender, projects a strong message on dehumanization and the invisible struggle of those who are seen as "the others" in society. In this sense, Goya advances in his time, exploring the psychology of human suffering in a way that would be rediscovered by later artistic movements such as expressionism.
Although this painting is not one of Goya's best known, its relevance is undeniable. It is part of a period in which the artist moves away from the mythological and classic themes that had dominated Spanish painting until then, entering the social and contemporary. Goya becomes not only a chronicler of his time, but a defender of those who have no voice, making "those who cannot" a precursion of social criticism that would be more evident in his subsequent works, especially in his "paintings Black ".
This painting, as well as others of his repertoire, he reflects Goya's deep interest in human conditions, madness and suffering, so it can be related to his series of engravings "The whims", where he explores the weaknesses and vices of Spanish society . Through "those who cannot", Goya establishes a connection between art and social reality, challenging perceptions and understanding of what human being means in a context of deprivations and marginalization.
In conclusion, "those who cannot" are a testimony of Francisco Goya's genius as an acute observer of the human condition. Its composition, the use of color and the representation of vulnerability embody its ability to communicate anguish and hopelessness effectively. Goya not only exhibits his technical mastery, but also raises deep questions about the sense of belonging and dignity in a society that often chooses to ignore the most disadvantaged. This work is not only a radical piece in the context of its time, but also a powerful legacy that continues to resonate in contemporary art and sensitivity.
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