Who painted A Bad Night, Plate 36?

A Bad Night, Plate 36 was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1799.

Where can I see A Bad Night, Plate 36?

A Bad Night, Plate 36 is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is A Bad Night, Plate 36?

A Bad Night, Plate 36 is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

A Bad Night, Plate 36

Francisco de Goya , 1799

A Bad Night, Plate 36 is a print by the Romanticist artist Francisco de Goya. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1997.54
Credit line: Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund

About this work

This dark etching shows a man crouched on a bed, clutching his head. A shadowy figure looms behind him, its claw-like hand reaching down. The room is lit by a single candle.

Goya made this in 1799 as part of Los Caprichos. He used aquatint to create spooky shadows. The prints mock Spanish society’s vices.

This print leads to Goya’s other Caprichos prints.

Overview

A Bad Night, Plate 36 is a print from Goya's 1799 series Los Caprichos, a collection of 80 works that critique Spanish society.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a man overwhelmed by a shadowy figure on a darkened bed, lit only by a candle. The scene conveys a sense of fear and chaos, reflecting Goya's exploration of themes such as superstition and violence.

Technique & Style

Goya employed aquatint to achieve dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, creating rich textures and dark tones that heighten the sense of foreboding.

History & Provenance

This print is a trial proof from before the first edition of Los Caprichos, showcasing Goya's experimental process and the series' initial impact.