Artwork

The Horrors of War: They Can Still Be of Use

The Horrors of War:  They Can Still Be of Use, by Francisco Goya, 1815
The Horrors of War:  They Can Still Be of Use, by Francisco Goya, 1815

The Horrors of War: They Can Still Be of Use 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. They Can Still Be of Use is a print by Francisco de Goya, created around 1815, and is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

They Can Still Be of Use is a print by Francisco de Goya, created around 1815, and is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a group of men surrounding a lifeless body, one of whom holds it upright. Their faces, lit by a faint glow, convey a mix of sadness and anger, evoking a somber and despairing mood.

Technique & Style

The scene is set against a dark background, with the men's simple clothing and contorted expressions adding to the overall emotional impact.

Context

The work is a powerful representation of the horrors of war, reflecting Goya's concerns with the consequences of conflict.

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.