Explore Contemptuous of the Insults

Read About This Sketch by Francisco De Goya

In this sketch by Francisco de Goya, an elegant Spaniard—probably a self-portrait of the artist—makes a rude gesture at the dwarfs threatening him with daggers. The clothing and short stature of the dwarfs are meant to bring to mind Napoleon Bonaparte. The title inscribed below the image, “Despreciar los ynsultos” (“Despise the insults”), signifies Goya’s defiance toward the French military occupation of Spain. The difference in scale between the tall, patronizing Spaniard and his short, gloomy oppressors emphasizes the point.

Goya’s art, which was often politically motivated, presented private acts and tragedies with both satire and an awareness of the human condition, making his observations timeless and universal. After 1792, he began to use the mediums of drawings and printmaking for his satires. Goya made this sketch, one of about fifty drawings in the Black Border album, for his own amusement and interest rather than for sale.

Questions

Write or discuss your responses.

• Look closely at the artwork. What do you see?
• What do you notice about the characters? What can you tell about them from their clothing and accessories?
• How do you think the characters feel about each other? How do you know?
• What are some physical features that seem exaggerated?
• If the characters could talk, what do you think they would say?

Using irony, sarcasm, or ridicule  to expose, denounce, or make fun of the stupidity or foolishness of institutions, people, or social structures.

A portrait of oneself, often an artist, done by oneself as a painting, drawing, sculpture, or other medium.