Ni mas ni menos. (Neither more nor less.) (1796-1797)

Artist: Francisco de GoyaDate: 1796-1797Francisco de Goya’s etching "Ni más ni menos," from his illustrious series Los Caprichos, presents an intriguing and satirical visual metaphor that delves into themes of vanity, perception, and truth. In this captivating piece, an ass is portrayed sitting obediently, almost humanly, while having its portrait drawn by a monkey, an animal often used by Goya to symbolize foolishness or mimicry.What draws immediate attention in this artwork is the absurdity and irony of the scene, as the monkey, clad in an artist’s smock, assesses the ass with a professional demeanor, intensifying the satire of the scene. The mirror on the easel reflects not just an ordinary image of the ass, but its foolishness, emphasizing Goya’s critique on those who cannot, or choose not, to see themselves as they truly are.Timed during a period where Goya became increasingly disenchanted with the social and political norms of his era, "Ni más ni menos" effectively encapsulates his criticism of the society that surrounds him—highlighting the folly in self-perception and the often distorted views one might hold of oneself.This etching not only provides a scathing commentary on the illusionary self-images upheld by individuals in society but also offers a reflection on the broader human condition of how we understand and depict ourselves and others.