Artwork
The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother
The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother 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: Unhappy Mother is a print by Francisco de Goya, created around 1815. It is part of a series of works exploring the consequences of conflict.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts four figures near water, with two men supporting a third who appears injured, while a child stands alone, lost in thought. The title 'Madre infeliz!' or 'Unhappy Mother!' suggests the child's sorrow, implying a narrative of loss and grief.
Technique & Style
Goya employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to create a dramatic and emotionally charged atmosphere. The resulting dark, shadowy scene heightens the sense of tension and despair.
History & Provenance
The print is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art, a testament to its enduring significance as a work exploring the human cost of war.
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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