The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters - Goya

The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters was an iconic masterpiece made by arguably, one of the most famous spanish artist of them all, Francisco Goya. On 6th of February 1799, Goya released a series of eighty prints which he famously referred to as 'Los Caprichos'. The series was meant to critique and shame contemporary Spanish society. The Caprichos was his most controversial and offensive critique, which was soon censored from the public. Of the eighty aquatints, number 43 was ‘The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters’ and it was assumed to be an expression of Goya’s personal thoughts. 

  

In the painting, there is a man, presumably Goya, sitting on a chair laying his head on a wooden table. He clearly looks tired and frustrated as his hands mask his face. Behind him are seen a swarm of animals ranging from Owls to Bats to a Lynx. These animals are commonly associated in Spanish folk tradition with mystery and evil. They seem to be flying behind him, desperately attempting to get his attention.  There is spanish writing engraved in the table stating the ’Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters’ in Spanish. The caption of the painting states that: ‘Imagination abandoned by reason produces impossible monsters; united with her, she is the mother of the arts and source of their wonders.’ The painting is presented in black and white, using rather uninspiring and monotonous shades. 

This painting in particular from Goya was interesting because of its ambiguity. I found it quite challenging to analyse this painting as it required quite an imagination to interpret it. The artwork can be described as Goya’s personal manifesto as it explains how he believes reason must accompany imagination. Art rests on both logic and imagination. The monsters behind Goya symbolise conception without rational analysis.  The animals that swarm around him are symbols of evil and ignorance. Perhaps Goya's use of colour here just emphasised the lack of creativity. Another possible interpretation of the painting could be how it displays the consequence of letting one guard’s down and how submitting to irrational thoughts and emotions can unleash monsters.

I liked this painting because of the number of ways it leads itself to interpretation. Even though, the painting is not traditionally vibrant and attractive, it intrigues the audience by the strange demeanour of the piece. The idea of the animals staring directly at the viewer as they haunt the man leaning down is intimidating yet fascinating. This is a painting with many layers and multiple interpretations. Goya was clearly a genius of his time and his work continues to enthral people to this day.