Reason and Folly

The great Francesco Goya was pivotal to the development of European art. His engagement with dreams and fantasy link him to the Romantic era while his skeptical view of society, his questioning of the strictures of the Church and State, reflect Enlightenment attitudes familiar to contemporary viewers. His humane and shocking portrayal and denunciation of war still evokes an understanding and immediate response. This publication looks at the motivations of his art, to shine the light of Reason on human relations, and explores his patrons, his career and the times in which he lived.

(National Gallery of Victoria)