FRANCISCO DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES (1746-1828), No one has seen us (Nadie nos ha visto) Plate 79 from: Los Caprichos

FRANCISCO DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES (1746-1828)
No one has seen us (Nadie nos ha visto)
Plate 79 from: Los Caprichos
etching with burnished aquatint, drypoint and engraving, on laid paper, a very good impression from the First Edition, published by the artist, Madrid, 1799, with brilliant highlights on the two central figures, the background printing evenly, framed
Plate: 8³⁄₈ x 5⁷⁄₈ in. (213 x 149 mm.)
Sheet: 11³⁄₄ x 8 in. (298 x 203 mm.)

Presumably Manuel Fernández Durán y Pando, Marqués de Perales del Río (1818-1886), Madrid.
Don Pedro Fernández-Durán (1846-1930), Madrid; with his stamp (Lugt 747b); presumably by descent from the above.
Don Tomas de la Maza y Saavedra (1896-1975); gift from the above.
With Herman Shickman Fine Arts, New York.
With Stuart Denenberg, Los Angeles.
Private American Collection; acquired from the above.

Delteil 116; Harris 114

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Lot Essay

Prado manuscript: ‘And what difference does it make if the goblins go down to the cellar and take four drinks, if they have worked all night and the scullery is left to look like shining gold.’

‘Contrary to the veiling of meaning by the Prado text, that of Ayala makes clear the subject of this work: ‘The abbots and friars have a great time when they are alone, but then present themselves to us as having a very regulated life’. This work continues the criticism of the clergy expressed in the preceding plate.’

Johnson, R. S., Francisco Goya, Los Caprichos, R.S. Johnson Fine Art, Chicago, 1992, p. 184.