Artwork

The Horrors of War: Truth Has Died

The Horrors of War:  Truth Has Died, by Francisco Goya, 1815
The Horrors of War:  Truth Has Died, by Francisco Goya, 1815

The Horrors of War: Truth Has Died 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: Truth Has Died is a print by Francisco de Goya, created around 1815. It is a black-and-white work held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic scene with a dead body at its center, surrounded by a crowd of figures reacting with a mix of emotions. The title suggests a connection to the brutality of war, implying a narrative of violence and loss.

Technique & Style

Goya's use of bold lines and strong contrasts of light and dark creates a sense of urgency and realism. The chiaroscuro technique, employing stark shadows and highlights, adds to the dramatic tension of the scene.

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.