The Third of May 1808

Francisco Goya

Created:
Movement:
1814
Romanticism
key Notes:
Political violence, Emotional intensity
Share:
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
Dimensions:
266 cm × 345 cm
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"The Third of May 1808" by Francisco Goya depicts the execution of Spanish civilians by French soldiers following the uprising in Madrid against Napoleonic occupation. Created in 1814, the painting is renowned for its dramatic use of light and shadow, emphasizing the horror and brutality of war, and is considered a seminal work in the development of modern art.

Description of the work:

"The Third of May 1808" by Francisco Goya is a large-scale oil painting that depicts a dramatic scene of execution, characterized by stark contrasts between light and shadow. The composition centers on a group of Spanish civilians, illuminated by a lantern, facing a firing squad of French soldiers, with the central figure's outstretched arms evoking a sense of martyrdom amidst the chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Manually Sourced

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it. We have put a ton of effort into collating and organizing all of this.
We may follow up with questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
The Third of May 1808