Artwork

Y esto tambien (And This Too)

Y esto tambien (And This Too), by Francisco de Goya, ink
Y esto tambien (And This Too), by Francisco de Goya, ink

Y esto tambien (And This Too) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Francisco de Goya. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1863, Y esto también is a print by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya that combines etching, aquatint (or lavis), drypoint and burin work.

Created in 1863, Y esto también is a print by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya that combines etching, aquatint (or lavis), drypoint and burin work. The composition depicts a bleak outdoor setting populated by four women, one cradling an infant, another leaning on a staff, and a third seated with her head bowed. A storm‑laden sky and uneven ground amplify the sense of hardship conveyed by the piece.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a stark vision of rural poverty: the women’s simple garments and exhausted expressions suggest a struggle for survival. The title, translating to “And This Too,” implies that the scene is part of a broader series of social woes, inviting viewers to consider the cumulative weight of everyday suffering in Goya’s contemporary Spain.

Technique & Style

Goya employed a layered approach, beginning with etched lines for the basic forms, then adding aquatint or lavis washes to achieve atmospheric tones. Drypoint and burin work sharpened details such as the women’s faces and the jagged sky. The contrast between deep blacks and lighter washes creates a dramatic chiaroscuro that heightens the urgency of the narrative.

History & Provenance

Although dated 1863, the work belongs to Goya’s later period, when he increasingly turned to printmaking to comment on social conditions. The plate passed through several private collections before entering a public museum in the early 20th century, where it has been exhibited as part of the artist’s series on the plight of the lower classes.

Context

The print emerges from a time of political turbulence in Spain, marked by wars, famine, and repression. Goya’s broader oeuvre often addressed these upheavals, and this work aligns with his series of socially engaged images that document the impact of conflict on ordinary people, especially women and children.

Legacy

Y esto también exemplifies Goya’s mastery of print techniques to convey social critique, influencing later realist and modernist artists who used graphic media for political commentary. The work continues to be studied for its technical innovation and its unflinching portrayal of human endurance.

Esto es lo verdadero (This Is the Truth)
Esto es lo verdadero (This Is the Truth), 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Y esto tambien (And This Too)?

Y esto tambien (And This Too) was painted by Francisco de Goya.

Where can I see Y esto tambien (And This Too)?

Y esto tambien (And This Too) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Y esto tambien (And This Too)?

Y esto tambien (And This Too) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Y esto tambien (And This Too)?

Museum-quality prints of Y esto tambien (And This Too) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.