Estan calientes. (They are hot.) (1796-1797)

"Estan calientes" (1796-1797) by Francisco de Goya is a compelling work that highlights the artist's mastery in capturing human expressions and social interactions. This etching, part of his famous series of prints often referred to as "Los Caprichos," depicts a moment of everyday life imbued with a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity.In the scene, three elderly figures gather around a table in a dimly lit room, their faces animated and lively as they react to the hot food before them. The title "Estan calientes," meaning "They are hot," likely refers to the dishes they are about to consume. Each character's expression and gesture vividly convey their anticipation and reaction to the heat of the food - from the wide-open mouth of the man in the center, eager to taste, to the alarmed look of the woman to his side, perhaps warning him of the temperature.Goya's use of sharp contrast between light and shadow enhances the dramatic effect, focusing the viewer's attention on the exaggerated facial expressions of the figures. This not only serves to inject humor but also offers a critique of human nature and societal norms, a recurring theme in Goya's work."Estan calientes" exemplifies Goya's ability to blend social commentary with artistic beauty, delivering a scene that is at once familiar, humorous, and thought-provoking.