The Blind Hen

The Blind Hen (1788-1789)

Goya 17th- 18th century. Roccoco and Neo-classicism.

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Blind Man´s Bluff was the only sketch that Goya painted, in fact the corresponding cartoon has got some changes different from the original design. This small sketch is now in the Prado Museum, thanks to the legacy of the patron and collector Fernández Durán.

*Subject matter: pleasant,humorous themes.

On the banks of the Manzanares river four couples form a cicle with a blindfolded man in the centre holding a wooden spoon.

Although the game is known as "La Gallina Ciega" in Spanish literally the Blind Hen, Goya´s own descripcion of the painting states that it represents various young men and women playing at the Cucharón, the Ladle.

The painter had already executed images of outdoor entertaiment, although this commission had the special feature of making reference to the festival of the patron saint of Madrid, Saint Isidro.

* Blind Man´s Bluff depicts an elegant, aristocratic game, aiming for a popular appearance, although without achieving it.