Artwork

The Horrors of War: A Woman's Charity

The Horrors of War:  A Woman's Charity, by Francisco Goya, 1815
The Horrors of War:  A Woman's Charity, by Francisco Goya, 1815

The Horrors of War: A Woman's Charity is a print by the Romanticist artist Francisco Goya. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Horrors of War: A Woman's Charity is a history print by Francisco de Goya, dating to circa 1815, currently housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a poignant wartime scene: a woman in a long robe tenderly attending to a wounded soldier on the ground, while another soldier stands by, distraught. The composition conveys the cruel realities of war through subtle, empathetic details.

Technique & Style

Goya employs strong chiaroscuro, juxtaposing sharp contrasts of light and dark to heighten the emotional intensity of the scene. The monochrome palette and gritty, crumbling background enhance the overall somber and dramatic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created around 1815, the print's early history is not detailed here, but it is now part of the permanent collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

Part of Goya's broader exploration of war's horrors, this work reflects the artist's response to the brutality of conflict, emphasizing human suffering and compassion amidst devastation.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not provided, the work contributes to Goya's reputation for capturing the human cost of war, influencing subsequent artists in depicting conflict's emotional toll.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francisco Goya

Artist

Francisco Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.