Subir y bajar. (To rise and to fall.) (1796-1797)

"Subir y bajar" ("To Rise and Fall") by Francisco de Goya, created in 1796-1797, is a captivating etching that exemplifies the artist's profound skill in portraying dynamic, emotive scenes. This artwork falls within Goya's celebrated series of prints known as "Los Caprichos," reflecting his critical perspective on the social and moral issues of his time.The piece audaciously depicts a figure triumphantly mounted on the back of a grotesquely contorted beast. The wild, leaping posture of the beast, combined with the victorious expression of the human figure, evokes a vivid sense of movement and tension. The figure, wearing a simple outfit, raises two flaming torches, adding an element of chaotic energy to the scene. His face, twisted in an ecstatic grimace, is illuminated by the flickering light, creating deep shadows that accentuate his frenzied joy.The title, "Subir y bajar," metaphorically alludes to the cyclical nature of fortune and human endeavor – the constant rise and fall inherent in life’s persistence. Goya’s etching explores this perpetual motion through the dynamic interplay of figures, suggesting a narrative that resonates with philosophical depth.This artwork is a brilliant example of Goya's ability to blend the real with the fantastical to explore deeper truths about human nature and society's foibles.