Artwork
They Say "Yes" and Give Their Hand to the First Comer, Plate 2
They Say "Yes" and Give Their Hand to the First Comer, Plate 2 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
Overview
They Say "Yes" and Give Their Hand to the First Comer, Plate 2, created circa 1799 by Francisco de Goya, is a print housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, depicting a pivotal, tense moment in a crowded gathering.
Subject & Meaning
The print centers on a woman in simple attire, surrounded by men in formal, wigs, as one leans in expectantly. Her stiff posture and clasped hands suggest a moment of significant decision-making, potentially alluding to themes of societal pressure or personal agency.
Technique & Style
Goya employs bold lines and pronounced chiaroscuro, emphasizing dramatic shadows to heighten tension, focusing attention on the expressive faces and body language of the crowd, underscoring the scene’s emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
Created in the late 18th century, the work is part of Goya’s oeuvre from this period. It is currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.
Context
This print reflects Goya’s interest in critiquing social norms of his time, possibly commenting on the dynamics between gender roles and societal expectations in late 18th-century Spain.
Legacy
As part of Goya’s body of work, it contributes to his legacy as a commentator on social issues, though its individual impact within his broader oeuvre is not distinctly highlighted in available information.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.
