276
GOYA, Francisco (1746-1828). Los caprichos. Madrid: Calcografia Real, 1881-1886.
A good impression of the seventh edition, the sixth produced by the Calcografia Nacional, of the complete collection of the 80 grotesque plates executed with the intention of laying bare the vices, baseness, aberrations and superstitions prevalent in Spain, each accompanied by a sardonic explanatory caption. The first edition of Capricci was published on 6 February 1799 and put on sale the same day in a liquor and perfume shop in Calle DesengaÏo, Madrid. On the same day, in the Diario de Madrid, Goya took care to reiterate that the Capriccios were a work of his imagination and without real references. Concerned, however, by public reaction and the Inquisition, he decided after only 27 copies had been sold to withdraw the edition from the market and so in 1803 he donated the remaining copies of the Capriccios and their plates to the King in exchange for a pension for his son. The work was subsequently reprinted by Calcografa Nacional in Madrid in several editions from 1855 to 1937 after the first one in 1799. 4to, (313 x 250 mm). 80 etchings with aquatint, drypoint and engraving printed in blue-black ink on watermarked paper. Editorial binding with the armorial and Calcografia Nacional printed in gold on the upper board (some wear). (1)
ESTIMATE € 5,000 - 8,000
LOTS
