Artwork
The Horrors of War: I Saw It
The Horrors of War: I Saw It 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: I Saw It is a print by Francisco de Goya, created around 1815, and is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a chaotic scene by water, with a group of people in a state of panic, some pointing or clutching their faces. The title suggests a connection to war, but the artist has omitted clear details, leaving the scene open to interpretation.
Technique & Style
The loose lines and smudged shading convey a sense of urgency and haste, giving the impression of a sketch made on the spot. The focus is on the dark, messy figures in the foreground, while the background is faintly rendered with a mountain and trees.
Context
The work is characteristic of Romanticism, a style that emphasizes intense emotions and expressive brushwork.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.
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The Horrors of War: Rightly or Wrongly
The Horrors of War: Even Worse
The Horrors of War: Why?
The Horrors of War: He Deserved It
The Horrors of War: What More Can Be Done?
The Horrors of War: Charity
The Horrors of War: Everything is Topsy-Turvy