Francisco Goya was a court painter to four successive rulers of Spain. During this time he witnessed many years of political unrest as well as social uprising. One of his greatest artistic achievements was the four print series in etching: Los Caprichos, Los Desastres de la Guerra, La Tauromaquia, and Los Disparates. In the twilight of his life he created a set called Bulls of Bordeaux from a newly invented art form called Lithography.

Goya's work in printmaking was a direct response to the dramatic changes in society as well as conveying his personal views.  He pushed the limits of each print to create wonderful ranges of tone that brings out a dynamic effect on his subjects. From the chaos of war to the spectacle of the bullfight, the prints in the exhibition show Goya’s remarkable ability to move between documentary realism and expressive invention. The exhibition continues up until September. For tickets and more information go to www.philamuseum.org

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