Athens, Greece – The National Gallery – Alexander Soutsos Museum is set to welcome visitors in the new year with a captivating exhibition featuring the works of the renowned Spanish artist Francisco Goya.Titled “Los Caprichos,” this exhibition showcases Goya’s unique ability to mock institutions and depict imaginary scenes of magical rituals, offering a thought-provoking experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition will present eighty engravings, including etchings and aquatints, created by Goya between 1797 and 1798. These works are part of the artist’s first series of engravings and the only one published during his lifetime. The National Gallery’s collection includes a version printed in 1803, which was acquired in 1962 when M. Kaligas served as the museum’s director. The National Gallery welcomes visitors with a captivating exhibition that features these significant works of Francisco Goya.
“Los Caprichos” is not just a collection of artworks; it represents a significant milestone in Goya’s artistic evolution. For the first time, the official painter of the Spanish Court was able to express the revolutionary character of a mature art form, liberated from the constraints of public commissions. This series remains a powerful commentary on society and human nature, making it a must-see for anyone interested in art and history.
Goya became a skilled engraver with his series of prints called “Los Caprichos.” Before this, he had created another series of engravings based on paintings by Velázquez. At that time, painters didn’t typically know how to engrave, as it was seen as a craft. In Spain, the common engraving method using a burin took about ten years to master. Instead, Goya learned a different method called etching, which is more like drawing. He also learned a more complex technique called aquatint, which allowed him to create shades from white to black, similar to watercolor painting. By using both techniques together, which was innovative, Goya was able to create engravings that looked very much like paintings. It’s unclear where the prints were made; some believe it was at a printing press, while others think it was in Goya’s own home or workshop. The final version of the “Caprichos” series, consisting of 80 prints, was completed on January 17, 1799. The National Gallery welcomes visitors with a captivating exhibition featuring these masterpieces by Francisco Goya.
Drawing from Album A of the Duchess combing her hair. Chinese ink wash.
Event Details
Inauguration: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
• Duration: January – September 2025
• Curator: Katerina Tavantzi
A Thematic Tribute: The Allure of the Strange
In addition to the Goya exhibition, the National Gallery will also feature a thematic tribute to Greek art titled “The Allure of the Strange.” This exhibition will explore the influence of Goya’s subversive perspective on the world, highlighting its lasting impact on modern art movements such as surrealism and modernism.
The group exhibition will include works from ten contemporary Greek artists, each of whom engages with themes of the strange, the hybrid, and the grotesque from their unique viewpoints. The artists featured include:
• Angelos Antonopoulos
• Giannis Gaitis
• Silia Daskopoulou
• Marianna Ignataki
• Dionysis Kavallieratos
• Christoforos Katsadiontis
• Tasos Mantzavinos
• Malvina Panagiotidi
• Angelos Papadimitriou
• Philippos Tsitsopoulos
This thematic exhibition promises to be an engaging exploration of the intersection between Goya’s work and contemporary Greek art. The National Gallery welcomes visitors with a captivating exhibition featuring the works of Francisco Goya and contemporary Greek artists.
Visitor Information
The National Gallery will offer a variety of events, guided tours, and educational programs for visitors of all ages, both in the Central Building and the National Sculpture Gallery, as well as in branches outside Athens. This is a fantastic opportunity for international residents in Greece to immerse themselves in the rich artistic heritage of both Spain and Greece.
As the new year unfolds, make sure to mark your calendars for this extraordinary exhibition that bridges historical and contemporary art, providing a unique lens through which to view the world.
For more information about the exhibitions and programs, please visit the National Gallery’s official website.
Experience the allure of Goya and the strange at the National Gallery of Greece – an artistic journey awaits you!
