Haunting, macabre, and poignant, the series of 82
etchings by Spanish artist Francisco Goya known as The
Disasters of War is a powerful reminder of the inhumane
consequences of warfare. The imagery Goya created for
[5] this 19th-century series is not pleasant, but this is by design.
Instead of heroic depictions of battles, Goya sought to
convey the tragic results of violent conflict through his
harsh, realistic etchings. Despite its age, The Disasters of
War remains one of the boldest anti-war statements ever
[10] made, reminding all of us that war can bring out the worst
in humanity.
The 82 etchings are often categorized into three
groups — war, famine, and political allegory. The first 47
plates focus on the consequences of the bloody conflicts
[15] between the French and Spanish. The next 18 (plates 48 to
64) portray the famine that plagued Spain following the
end of French rule. The imagery focuses on the tragedies
that occurred in Madrid, showing dead or nearly-dead
bodies and people carrying corpses. The final 17 show the
[20] demoralization of the Spanish citizens, having realized
they fought to reinstate a monarchy that refuses to change.
The plates express critiques of post-war politics as well as
skepticism toward religious idolatry.
Park West Gallery. A closer look at Francisco Goya’s ‘Disasters of War’ (Los Desastres de la Guerra). Internet: www.parkwestgallery.com (adapted).
Using the text above as reference, judge the following item.
With his The Disasters of War, Goya criticised with realistic imagery both the war between Spain and France and its political consequences.
