Quien mas rendido (Which of them is the more overcome) (1796-1797)

Francisco de Goya's etching, titled "Quien mas rendido?" (Which of them is the more overcome), from 1796-1797, displays a vivid and emotive social scene reflective of Spanish society in the late 18th century. The piece is part of Goya's famed "Los Caprichos" series which explored a variety of themes ranging from the whimsical to the deeply critical.In this particular work, Goya features a dramatic interaction between a man and a woman. The woman, standing upright and distinguished by her flowing dark hair and elaborate dress, offers a striking contrast to the supplicant man, who appears earnest and somewhat disheveled, as he clings to her with a pleading expression. The stark black and white of the etching underscores the emotional intensity of the scene. Around them, a group of indistinct figures can be discerned in the background, adding a sense of public scrutiny to the personal moment. The foreground shows a toppled toy and a paper—perhaps a symbol of childish or trivial pursuits cast aside amidst the gravity of adult interactions. The image intriguingly queries, "Quien mas rendido?" prompting viewers to ponder who is truly the more overcome: the man whose posture reflects submission, or the woman whose expression might mask an emotional tumult.