What a Golden Beak! (Que Pico de Oro!)

What a Golden Beak! was a one of a set of satirical prints called Los Caprichos that Goya released in portfolio in 1799. On sale for only one day, the album sold 27 copies before the Spanish government censored the prints and banned their distribution. Like the other Caprichos, this image contains challenging subject matter and witty symbolism, revealing Goya’s social criticism. The “golden beak” refers to the parrot with a condescending attitude, standing on the rail of an altar or pulpit. All the citizens are devoutly listening to the parrot, known as a masterful mimic rather than a beacon of truth or good judgment. The “golden beak” represents the ruling class and the clergy, implying that their words to ordinary citizens are not trustworthy, merely a script to be memorized and regurgitated.