Artwork

Que viene el coco (Here Comes the Bogey-Man)

Que viene el coco (Here Comes the Bogey-Man), by Francisco Goya, ink, 1799
Que viene el coco (Here Comes the Bogey-Man), by Francisco Goya, ink, 1799

Que viene el coco (Here Comes the Bogey-Man) 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

Que viene el coco (Here Comes the Bogey-Man) is an etching and burnished aquatint print created by Francisco Goya in 1799. It belongs to a series exploring fear and superstition, characteristic of Goya's engagement with the darker aspects of human experience.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a hooded, monstrous figure looming over a frightened woman and child in a dimly lit room. This scene reflects Goya's exploration of psychological fear and folklore, highlighting the terror inspired by the unknown.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching and burnished aquatint on laid paper, the work utilizes strong contrasts of light and dark to amplify the sense of foreboding, aligning with the expressive and emotionally charged principles of Romanticism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1799, the print is part of Goya's output during a period of significant historical upheaval. As a leading Spanish artist of his time, Goya's works would later influence generations of artists.

Context

Que viene el coco is set within the broader context of late 18th-century Europe, where fears, superstitions, and the irrational were prevalent themes in art and literature, foreshadowing the Romantic movement's emphasis on emotion and imagination.

Legacy

This print contributes to Goya's legacy as a pioneer in exploring psychological depth and the subconscious through art, impacting the development of subsequent artistic movements beyond Romanticism.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francisco Goya

Artist

Francisco Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.