Artwork

Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?)

Quien mas rendido?  (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?), by Francisco de Goya, ink, 1799
Quien mas rendido?  (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?), by Francisco de Goya, ink, 1799

Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Francisco de Goya. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1799, Quien mas rendido?

About this work

Overview

Created in 1799, Quien mas rendido? is an early print by Francisco Goya that combines etching, aquatint, and drypoint on laid paper. The work exemplifies Goya’s experimentation with multiple printmaking processes, producing a composition that balances line and tone to convey a dramatic narrative.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a woman in a long dress with her head thrown back, confronting a man in a dark jacket who reaches forward to seize her left arm. A small dog lies at their feet, while indistinct figures populate the background. The tension between the figures suggests themes of surrender, conflict, or emotional struggle.

Technique & Style

Goya employs the fine lines of etching for the overall drawing, augments depth with aquatint’s tonal washes, and adds sharp, expressive edges through drypoint. This blend yields a richly textured surface that emphasizes the central figures and enhances the atmospheric tension of the scene.

History & Provenance

The print belongs to the period when Goya was transitioning from the conventions of the Old Masters toward a more personal, modern visual language. It reflects his early engagement with social and political subjects that would later define his larger series of prints.

Context

Produced at the close of the 18th century, the work emerges amid Spain’s turbulent political climate, a context that informed Goya’s interest in depicting human drama and power dynamics. The composition’s ambiguous background figures echo contemporary concerns about identity and authority.

Which of Them is the More Overcome?, Plate 27
Which of Them is the More Overcome?, Plate 27, Francisco de Goya

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francisco de Goya

Artist

Francisco de Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes 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.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?)?

Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?) was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1799.

Where can I see Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?)?

Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?)?

Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?)?

Museum-quality prints of Quien mas rendido? (Which of Them Is the More Overcome?) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.