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Lot 123
FRANCISCO DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES (1746-1828)
Esto si que es leer, Plate 29 from: Los Caprichos
Closed28 January 2021
Price Realised
GBP 1,875
More Information
Specialist note
Prado manuscript: ‘While his hair is being combed and his shoes put on, he sleeps and studies. No one could say that he is not making the best use of his time.’
‘It would be difficult for this man to read since his eyes are closed. This apparently is an attack on the mediocrity of the privileged and ruling classes who spend their time being served and pampered rather than bettering themselves through intellectual pursuits or at least reading of some kind. The Ayala text bears out this idea but refers specifically to ministros: ‘The Ministers wait until the last moment in order to inform themselves on business matters. Thus, beforehand, he is combed, and shod and he sleeps. Who could say that he is not making the best use of his time.’
Cited in: R. S. Johnson, Francisco Goya, Los Caprichos, R.S. Johnson Fine Art, Chicago, 1992, p. 84.
‘It would be difficult for this man to read since his eyes are closed. This apparently is an attack on the mediocrity of the privileged and ruling classes who spend their time being served and pampered rather than bettering themselves through intellectual pursuits or at least reading of some kind. The Ayala text bears out this idea but refers specifically to ministros: ‘The Ministers wait until the last moment in order to inform themselves on business matters. Thus, beforehand, he is combed, and shod and he sleeps. Who could say that he is not making the best use of his time.’
Cited in: R. S. Johnson, Francisco Goya, Los Caprichos, R.S. Johnson Fine Art, Chicago, 1992, p. 84.