Who painted A caza de dientes (Out Hunting for Teeth)?

A caza de dientes (Out Hunting for Teeth) was painted by Francisco Goya in 1799.

Where can I see A caza de dientes (Out Hunting for Teeth)?

A caza de dientes (Out Hunting for Teeth) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A caza de dientes (Out Hunting for Teeth)?

A caza de dientes (Out Hunting for Teeth) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

A caza de dientes (Out Hunting for Teeth)

Francisco Goya , 1799

A caza de dientes (Out Hunting for Teeth) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Francisco Goya. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1799, *A caza de dientes* (Out Hunting for Teeth) is an intaglio print by Francisco Goya that combines etching, burnished aquatint, and burin work on laid paper. The composition depicts a tense encounter between a barefoot man and a woman on a riverbank, rendered in stark chiaroscuro that emphasizes the immediacy of the moment.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows the man gripping the woman’s arm while she clutches his hand, her face turned away and her posture rigid, suggesting a moment of conflict or urgency. The enigmatic title hints at a hidden narrative or satirical commentary, inviting viewers to consider a possible joke or allegorical subtext beyond the literal depiction.

Technique & Style

Goya employs a layered approach: precise line work with a burin defines the figures, while burnished aquatint creates deep, velvety shadows that envelop the background. The use of laid paper adds a subtle texture, and the overall effect is a gritty, atmospheric rendering that heightens the drama of the encounter.

History & Provenance

The print belongs to Goya’s prolific period of social and historical commentary, produced at the turn of the 19th century when he was establishing himself as Spain’s leading Romantic painter and printmaker. It reflects his interest in contemporary life and the turbulent atmosphere of the era.

Context

During the late 1790s, Goya was expanding his repertoire beyond painting to include a series of prints that explored everyday scenes, folklore, and social critique. *A caza de dientes* fits within this broader body of work, illustrating his fascination with ordinary moments charged with emotional intensity.