Nadie nos ha visto. (No one has seen us.) (1796-1797)

"Nadie nos ha visto," an etching by the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya, captures a scene teeming with eerie energy and subtle narrative. Created between 1796 and 1797, this work is part of Goya's illustrious "Caprichos" series, which delves into the complex social fabric of 18th-century Spanish society.The artwork portrays three figures, ostensibly monks, who are caught in a moment of candid revelry. They clink their glasses together in a toast, their faces animated with expressions of mirth and perhaps slight mischief. The exaggerated features and the intense, lively strokes emphasize the dynamic and possibly clandestine nature of the scene. A fourth, shadowy figure looms in the background, adding an element of intrigue and perhaps surveillance.Goya's use of dark, swirling lines around the figures not only focuses our attention on their interaction but also contributes to a feeling of movement and spontaneity. The title, "No one has seen us," suggests a secretive undertone to this gathering, hinting at the human penchant for concealing vices or indulgences. This piece invites viewers to ponder the dualities of public and private personas, and the hidden layers beneath outward appearances.This etching is a masterful example of Goya’s ability to weave commentary on human nature into scenes of everyday life, using his profound skill in the aquatint technique to enhance textures and shadows, thus deepening the impact of the visual narrative.