Goya, an account of his life and works

by Albert Frederick Calvert

‘Bravissimo!’ A donkey applauds a monkey who plays on the guitar. Possibly a skit on Charles IV. and Godoy.

39. Asta su abuelo.

‘As far as his grandfather.’ An ass contemplates the portraits of other asses. Satire on those who seek to establish long pedigrees for themselves.

40. De qué mal morirá?

‘Of what will he die?’ An ass feels a dying man’s pulse. Perhaps a reflection on the faculty was intended.

41. Ni más ni menos.

‘Neither more nor less.’ A donkey sits for his portrait to a monkey, who is painting a horse. Satire on artists who paint pictures of those whom they have never seen.

42. Tú que no puedes.

‘Thou who canst not....’ Two men staggering under the weight of two asses. The men represent the people, the asses perhaps the governing classes.

43. El sueño de la razon produce monstruosos.