Feminine Folly (Disparate Femenino)

Currently not on view

Feminine Folly (Disparate Femenino)

c. 1815-1823, published 1864

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (Spanish, 1746–1828) Printed in the workshop of Laurenciano Potenciano, Madrid (mid- 19th century) Published by Real Academia de Nobles Artes de San Fernando

This scene of six young women tossing two rag or straw dolls into the air at first appears to portray an innocent children’s game, a subject Goya had addressed in paintings early in his career. A closer look, however, reveals the curious presence of a man and a donkey nearly obscured in the blanket. This disquieting inclusion adds a bizarre element to the imagery that might otherwise be interpreted as a carnival scene or an allegory of women’s playful manipulation of men.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Titles:

Feminine Folly (Disparate Femenino)
From the series Los Disparates ("The Follies")

Date:

c. 1815-1823, published 1864

Artists:

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (Spanish, 1746–1828) Printed in the workshop of Laurenciano Potenciano, Madrid (mid- 19th century) Published by Real Academia de Nobles Artes de San Fernando

Medium:

Etching and aquatint

Dimensions:

Plate: 9 9/16 x 13 7/8 inches (24.3 x 35.2 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

Gift of Marion B. F. Ingersoll, 1955

Accession Number:

1955-62-1

Geography:

Printed in Madrid, Spain, Europe

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Currently not on view