The Proverbs: Folly of Fear

Executed as a print, Goya employs dramatic chiaroscuro, allowing a single, unseen light source to carve deep shadows and accentuate the contrast between the dark background and the illuminated forms. The stark tonal range and bold outlines heighten the sense of menace and emotional intensity.

The piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings after being acquired from a private collection, though its earlier ownership trail remains limited in documentation. Its dating to the mid‑19th century places it among Goya’s later, more somber works.

Created during a period when Goya explored darker, more introspective themes, the print reflects the artist’s preoccupation with human folly and the psychological effects of terror. It aligns with his broader series of moralizing images that critique societal anxieties.