The swing, 1787, 169x100 cm, Duke of Montellano Collect Francisco Jose De Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828)

The composition presents a scene unfolding within a lush, overgrown woodland setting. A young woman is suspended in mid-air, seated on a swing propelled by an older man standing behind her. The swing itself is secured between two gnarled trees that dominate the upper portion of the canvas. To the left, another figure, dressed in elaborate attire, observes the scene with what appears to be a mixture of amusement and veiled concern. At the base of the trees, a young man lies prone on the ground, his gaze fixed upwards towards the woman in the swing; he is positioned such that his view is partially obscured by the foliage.
The lighting is diffuse, creating an atmosphere of hazy warmth. The background reveals glimpses of distant architecture and landscape, suggesting a cultivated estate beyond the immediate woodland. The color palette is dominated by greens, browns, and soft pinks, contributing to a sense of idyllic tranquility. However, this serenity is subtly undermined by several details that introduce elements of ambiguity and potential satire.
The positioning of the figures suggests a complex interplay of power dynamics and social commentary. The older man pushing the swing appears to be in a position of authority, while the woman’s expression is ambiguous – it could convey innocence, playful enjoyment, or perhaps even a degree of knowingness. The figure seated on the left seems to represent a chaperone or guardian, her posture suggesting a restrained disapproval of the unfolding events. Most significantly, the young man lying on the ground embodies a sense of thwarted desire and unrequited longing; his upward gaze is both vulnerable and suggestive.
The trees themselves are rendered with an almost exaggerated realism, their branches intertwining to create a dense canopy that partially obscures the scene. This visual density contributes to a feeling of enclosure and secrecy, hinting at hidden meanings and unspoken desires. The foliage seems to actively participate in the narrative, acting as both a screen and a frame for the unfolding drama.
The overall effect is one of carefully constructed artifice. While seemingly depicting a pastoral idyll, the painting subtly critiques the conventions of aristocratic leisure and courtship rituals. It suggests that beneath the veneer of refinement and propriety lie desires, power struggles, and potentially scandalous behavior. The artist’s choice to depict these elements with such apparent nonchalance adds a layer of ironic detachment to the scene, inviting viewers to question the values and behaviors being portrayed.