On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00801
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Spanish)
- Title
- Stilts
- Chronology
- 1791-1792
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 268 cm x 320 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- INVENTARIO TAPICES
- Procedence
- Real Patrimonio, 1870
Two young men on high stilts head
toward a window out of which a
young woman leans. They are
accompanied by two other young men
on foot, playing the dulzaina.
Groups of men wrapped in their
capes and with broad-brimmed hats
completely covering their faces, as
well as women and children,
contemplate the festive
scene.
As in many other works from this
period, a straightforward, everyday
subject contrasts with a deeper
theme. Here, the stiltwalkers'
effort to avoid falling and their
gallantry with the lady in the
window are a means of denouncing
the struggle to survive that
period's difficult social
conditions.
This cartoon was for one of the
tapestries intended for Carlos IV's
office at El Escorial.
Location on the map
