The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828) was a Spanish painter and printmaker, who has both been considered one of the last “Old Masters”, as well as one of the first modern artists.

In the 1790s he created a series of artwork called The Caprichos. The series consisted of aquatinted etchings, many of which were bleak visions. In this etching the subject is leaning forward, sleeping on a table, surrounded by nighttime creatures such as bats, owls and a cat. The dreamscape may serve as a metaphor for imagination, where irrational thoughts may emerge.