Who painted Modo de volar (A Way of Flying)?

Modo de volar (A Way of Flying) was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1816.

Where can I see Modo de volar (A Way of Flying)?

Modo de volar (A Way of Flying) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Modo de volar (A Way of Flying)?

Modo de volar (A Way of Flying) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Modo de volar (A Way of Flying)?

Museum-quality prints of Modo de volar (A Way of Flying) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Modo de volar (A Way of Flying)

Francisco de Goya , 1816

Modo de volar (A Way of Flying) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Francisco de Goya. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Modo de volar (A Way of Flying) is a print created by Francisco Goya in 1816, utilizing etching, aquatint, and possibly drypoint techniques. A trial proof was printed posthumously between 1854 and 1863.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dark, surreal scene of winged creatures in flight, with figures awkwardly navigating these beasts. This work reflects Goya’s later thematic preoccupations with human folly and societal critique, characteristic of his response to the tumultuous era of the Peninsular War.

Technique & Style

Goya employed a combination of etching, aquatint, and possibly drypoint to achieve a range of textures and tonal nuances. The sharp, scratchy lines and frantic marks contrast with smoother areas, conveying a sense of wildness and unease.

History & Provenance

Originally created in 1816, the known trial proof of Modo de volar was printed posthumously, circa 1854-1863, following Goya’s death.

Context

This work is situated within Goya’s later period, marked by artistic innovation and engagement with the social and political upheavals of his time, including the aftermath of the Peninsular War.