Artwork

Friar Pedro Shoots El Maragato as His Horse Runs Off

Friar Pedro Shoots El Maragato as His Horse Runs Off, by Francisco Goya, oil, 1806
Friar Pedro Shoots El Maragato as His Horse Runs Off, by Francisco Goya, oil, 1806

Friar Pedro Shoots El Maragato as His Horse Runs Off is an oil painting by Francisco Goya. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Friar Pedro Shoots El Maragato as His Horse Runs Off is an 1806 oil painting by Francisco Goya, capturing a tense, dramatic moment between two figures set against an outdoor backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a confrontation between Friar Pedro, dressed in a brown robe and aiming a gun, and El Maragato, in yellow pants and a blue shirt, with outstretched arms in a defensive posture, amidst the chaos of a fleeing horse.

Technique & Style

Goya employs chiaroscuro to heighten the sense of tension and urgency, contrasting the illuminated figures against a hazy, less defined background of a stone wall and sky.

History & Provenance

Created in 1806, this work reflects Goya's propensity to embed the tumultuous historical context of his era within his art, though specific provenance details are not provided here.

Context

As a product of the late 18th to early 19th century, the painting situates itself within a period of significant historical upheaval in Spain, which often influenced Goya's thematic choices.

Legacy

While the painting's direct legacy is not elaborated here, it contributes to Goya's stature as a pivotal Spanish artist of his time, known for capturing the essence of his turbulent era through vivid, emotionally charged scenes.

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.