Artwork
The Horrors of War: What is the Use of a Cup?
The Horrors of War: What is the Use of a Cup? 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: What is the Use of a Cup? is a history print by Francisco de Goya, dating to circa 1815, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a nocturnal war scene of chaos, with a hooded woman looming over wounded and motionless figures on the ground. The title question, "What is the Use of a Cup?", juxtaposed with the violent scene, suggests the futility of small comforts amidst overwhelming suffering.
Technique & Style
Executed in black-and-white, the print utilizes stark contrasts to convey the darkness and intensity of the scene, with a faint distant glow in the sky. The composition emphasizes the dramatic and emotional turmoil characteristic of Romantic-era aesthetics.
Context
This work aligns with the Romantic movement's emphasis on intense emotion, the sublime, and the critique of societal ills. Goya's piece, with its dramatic lighting and focus on human suffering, reflects the movement's values.
History & Provenance
Created around 1815, the print is part of Goya's body of work responding to the traumas of war. It is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
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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