Artwork
Fuerte cosa es! (That's Tough!)

Fuerte cosa es! (That's Tough!) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Francisco Goya. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Fuerte cosa es!
About this work
Overview
Fuerte cosa es! (That's Tough!) is a print created by Francisco Goya in 1863, exemplifying his innovative late-period graphic work.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a chaotic riverside scene with three figures: one holding a child, another extending a long stick, and a third standing with arms crossed. The composition conveys a sense of struggle or hardship, underscored by the title's expression of resilience or exasperation.
Technique & Style
Goya combined etching, burnished aquatint, and drypoint techniques, characteristic of his experimental printmaking approach. The rough, busy lines and sharp, quick strokes generate a dynamic, tense visual language.
History & Provenance
Created in 1863, this work is part of Goya's broader graphic oeuvre, which significantly influenced later artists. However, specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
As a late work by Goya, Fuerte cosa es! reflects the artist's engagement with the tumultuous historical context of his time, though the scene's specific inspiration remains interpretative.
Legacy
This print, like much of Goya's graphic work, exerted a lasting impact on 19th- and 20th-century artists, demonstrating his pioneering role in printmaking techniques and expressive themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.


















