Who painted The Proverbs: Carnival Folly?

The Proverbs: Carnival Folly was painted by Francisco Goya.

Where can I see The Proverbs: Carnival Folly?

The Proverbs: Carnival Folly is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Proverbs: Carnival Folly?

The Proverbs: Carnival Folly is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Proverbs: Carnival Folly

Francisco Goya

The Proverbs: Carnival Folly is a print by the Impressionist artist Francisco Goya. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The print titled *The Proverbs: Carnival Folly* was produced by the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya in 1864. It is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of Goya’s late graphic work.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a bustling street scene during a carnival, populated by four figures in period costume. One man in a tall hat is being hauled by another, a third figure brandishes a flag, and a fourth, also hat‑clad, appears to be pushing or pulling a companion. The chaotic arrangement suggests the disorder and revelry associated with festive crowds.

Technique & Style

Executed with rapid, sketch‑like lines, the print conveys a sense of immediacy and motion, as if frozen at a fleeting instant. Goya’s use of loose, energetic strokes emphasizes the turbulence of the moment, while the stark contrast between figure and background heightens the overall dynamism.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑19th century, the work entered the holdings of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on assembling representative works from major European printmakers, and it continues to serve as a reference point for Goya’s exploration of social scenes.