Printmaker Biographies

Francisco Goya

(1746–1828)

“A Way of Flying” by Francisco Goya

Francisco Goya, often referred to as the father of modern art, was a Spanish painter and printmaker whose works bridged the classical and modern eras.

Born in Fuendetodos, Spain, Goya rose to prominence as a court painter to the Spanish Crown, producing grand portraits and tapestry designs. Goya’s printmaking career, however, showcased his darker, more introspective side.

His Los Caprichos series used etching and drypoint to critique social norms, superstitions, and political corruption. The velvety lines of drypoint added a sense of drama and immediacy to his imagery, heightening the emotional impact of his satirical and often haunting compositions.

Later in life, Goya’s work grew increasingly somber, reflecting his disillusionment with the turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars and Spain’s political instability. His legacy as a printmaker endures, with his innovative techniques and unflinching subject matter paving the way for modernism.