Art Institute of Chicago

They Have Flown, plate 61 from Los Caprichos (Caprices)

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

Date

1797–98, published 1799

Medium

Etching, aquatint, and drypoint in brown on ivory laid paper

Culture

Spain

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

One of Goya’s best-known publications, Los Caprichos (Caprices) is an album of 80 whimsical prints featuring biting critiques of society’s foolishness. The absurd scenario seen here suggests women’s flightiness. With a butterfly in her hair, this airheaded woman is too lightweight for any serious relationship or responsibility. Her face resembles the Duchess of Alba, María Cayetana de Silva, who was the subject of several of Goya’s paintings. While the extent of their personal relationship remains uncertain, this image suggests unrequited love.

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