A way of flying

A way of flying (Modo de volar) is a print by the Spanish painter and printmaker Francisco Goya. Created between 1815 and 1816, it is the 13th of the 22 aquatints making up the series Los disparates. Along with the rest of the series it was first published in 1864 by the Real Academia de Nobles Artes de San Fernando.

A number of different interpretations for the work have been considered. Some have seen Goya's use of flight as a metaphor for instability, human irrationality and the inconstancy of fortune. Other commentators have seen it as a metaphor for political and philosophical innovation.

Preparatory drawings
As with all of his prints, Goya produced a preparatory drawing for A way of flying. There is also an artist's proof that was made with just the etched image before the aquatint was added.

Technique
A way of flying was made using etching and drypoint to create the lines and aquatint to create the background. It was made on laid paper.