Goya’s fantastic imagery is often infused with satirical irony. In this etching a group of men, in biblical-style dress, seem to be cowering from a huge elephant looming nearby. The huddled men are clearly unnerved as they clutch their sacred tablets and religious accessories in the face of apparent danger. Any actual meaning to be drawn from this image is elusive and scholars have failed to find a Spanish proverb to attach to it.
