02/11/20 - As we already know, apart from his unique paintings, Goya made an extensive work as an engraver. In the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando you can visit the Francisco de Goya Cabinet, where a selection of the matrices made by the artist is exhibited. These plates correspond to the engravings of the series Caprichos, Desastres de la guerra, Tauromaquia and Disparates, among others. Therefore, the room allows us to know not only the prints, but the matrices that were used for them: two different versions of a detailed and unique work.

It is explained in the room text that these plates, which were originally made of copper, received an electrolytic treatment that gives them their current appearance.

Francisco Goya y Lucientes

Etching, aquatint, drypoint and chisel.

The room is a journey back in time: the mounting of the plates in old wooden display cabinets gives it a nineteenth-century look, to which an old recorder is also added. Framed engravings were placed on the display cabinets. Although photos are allowed, the reflection of the glass is a real nuisance.

By decision of the Royal Academy, no more engravings are stamped, which is why the plates have already become artistic works in themselves.