Preparatory drawing for Capricho 42. The abuse of ordinary people by those in power and the ignorance that perpetuates this system of exploitation are recurring themes in the Caprichos. Here, asses representing the nobility literally ride the backs of the laboring poor. Contemporary manuscripts echo these ideas, including one in the Biblioteca Nacional de España: "The poor and useful classes of society are the ones that carry donkeys on their backs, or bear the whole weight of State taxation." With regard to technique, here Goya expertly deploys the different possibilities of the color red.

Matilla, J.M. Mena M.B., Goya: dibujos. Solo la voluntad me sobra, Madrid, Museo Nacional del Prado, 2019, p.132 nº 61