Ya tienen asiento. (They’ve already got a seat.) (1796-1797)

"Ya tienen asiento" by the illustrious Spanish artist Francisco de Goya, dating from 1796-1797, is an intriguing etching that captures a unique blend of candor and social commentary, characteristic of Goya's works. The piece belongs to his famous series, Los Caprichos, which comprises a collection of images intended to critique the socio-political issues of the time.The image depicts a bizarre and somewhat unsettling scene where three figures exhibit unnatural, distorted proportions and eerie expressions. The central figure stands awkwardly with a chair upended over her head, her face carrying a naive smile that contrasts sharply with the ambiguous or possibly mocking expressions of the figures around her. To her sides, another figure squats on a stool, peering out with a sly grin, while a third sits on a step, gazing up with an enigmatic expression that may suggest amusement or disbelief.Goya, through this piece and the title "Ya tienen asiento," which translates to "They’ve already got a seat," perhaps satirizes the complacency and absurdity he perceived in the societal norms of his time. The use of chairs in this context could symbolize status or position in a stagnantly hierarchical society, mocking the established order by placing it in a literally topsy-turvy arrangement.This etching invites viewers to delve into an analysis of power structures and the often surreal underpinnings of societal interactions. It also showcases Goya's adeptness in using the medium of printmaking to convey complex, layered messages that remain subject to interpretation and resonate with audiences long after his era.