Various contemporary manuscripts provide explanations for the plates of
Los Caprichos. The manuscript held at the
Museo del Prado is considered an autograph by Goya, though it appears to obscure the artist's riskier intentions by offering a moralizing interpretation. Two other manuscripts, one owned by Ayala and another at the
National Library of Spain, emphasize the more biting significance of the prints. Explanation from the
Museo del Prado manuscript:
"Fortune treats those who court her very badly. She repays the effort of climbing with smoke, and punishes the one who has risen by casting him down.
" (La fortuna trata muy mal a quien la obsequia. Paga con humo la fatiga de subir y al que ha subido le castiga con precipitarle.) Ayala manuscript:
"Prince of Peace. Lust lifts him by the feet; it fills his head with smoke and wind, and he hurls lightning at his rivals..."
(Príncipe de la Paz. La lujuria le eleva por los pies; se le llena la cabeza de humo y viento, y despide rayos contra sus émulos...) against good ministers. They fall, and the wheel turns; such is the story of favorites."''
(El Príncipe de la Paz levantado por la lujuria, y con la cabeza llena de humo, vibra rayos contra los buenos ministros. Caen estos y rueda la bola; que es la historia de los favoritos.)'' ==Technique==