Prints and Multiples
Prints and Multiples
FRANCISCO JOSÉ DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES | LOS CAPRICHOS (DELTEIL 38-117; HARRIS 36-115)
Auction Closed
September 17, 04:10 PM GMT
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
FRANCISCO JOSÉ DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES
1746 - 1828
LOS CAPRICHOS (DELTEIL 38-117; HARRIS 36-115)
The complete set, comprising eighty etchings with burnished aquatint, drypoint and engraving, 1797-98, superb to very good impressions from the first edition, printed just after the appearance of the scratch on plate 45, published by the artist, Madrid, 1799, on laid paper, bound in contemporary marbled calf, flatspine gilt, with red edges (presumably as issued)
each sheet: approx. 300 by 205mm 11¾ by 8⅛in
overall: 310 by 215 by 27mm 12¼ by 8¼ by 1⅛in
Goya’s satirical caprices, derived from his detailed sketchbooks, lift the veil on Spain’s dark past. His Spain was one of terror, outlaws and reprobates: corrupt priests, arrogant nobles, desperate paupers and superstitious beggars, all of whom are illustrated in Los Caprichos, representing fright and folly.
A bookplate on this very album suggests it belonged to Vincent Van Gogh (1866-1911), cousin of the Dutch artist (1853-1890). An art dealer and bibliophile who inherited his father’s bookshop, the lesser known Vincent had an eye for rare and fine works on paper. Well maintained in his personal collection, this first edition set best displays Goya's mastery of aquatint. From rich and velvety to delicate and wispy, the variation of depth and tone in each plate bring the anguish and mysticism of what became known as “Black Spain” to life.