Who painted A Bad Night, Plate 36?

A Bad Night, Plate 36 was painted by Francisco Goya in 1799.

Where can I see A Bad Night, Plate 36?

A Bad Night, Plate 36 is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is A Bad Night, Plate 36?

A Bad Night, Plate 36 is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

A Bad Night, Plate 36

Francisco Goya , 1799

A Bad Night, Plate 36 is a print by the Romanticist artist Francisco Goya. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This dark etching shows a man crouched on a bed, clutching his head. A shadowy figure looms behind him, its claw-like hand reaching down. The room is lit by a single candle.

Goya made this in 1799 as part of *Los Caprichos*. He used aquatint to create spooky shadows. The prints mock Spanish society’s vices.

This print leads to Goya’s other *Caprichos* prints.

Overview

A Bad Night, Plate 36 is a print from Goya's 1799 series Los Caprichos, a collection of 80 works that critique Spanish society.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a man overwhelmed by a shadowy figure on a darkened bed, lit only by a candle. The scene conveys a sense of fear and chaos, reflecting Goya's exploration of themes such as superstition and violence.

Technique & Style

Goya employed aquatint to achieve dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, creating rich textures and dark tones that heighten the sense of foreboding.

History & Provenance

This print is a trial proof from before the first edition of Los Caprichos, showcasing Goya's experimental process and the series' initial impact.