Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. Soldiers Frightened by a Phantom, from Disparates, published as plate 2 in Los Proverbios. 1816–1819. Spain. Etching and burnished aquatint in brown-black on ivory wove paper This nightmarish image is a conundrum. Soldiers cowering before a towering specter can be interpreted as representing the fear of death or defeat, illustrating the vulnerability of fighters during a time of war. Upon a closer look, one can see a smirking face emerging from the phantom’s sleeve, indicating that the colossal apparition may actually be a hoax. With characteristic irony, Go
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. Soldiers Frightened by a Phantom, from Disparates, published as plate 2 in Los Proverbios. 1816–1819. Spain. Etching and burnished aquatint in brown-black on ivory wove paper This nightmarish image is a conundrum. Soldiers cowering before a towering specter can be interpreted as representing the fear of death or defeat, illustrating the vulnerability of fighters during a time of war. Upon a closer look, one can see a smirking face emerging from the phantom’s sleeve, indicating that the colossal apparition may actually be a hoax. With characteristic irony, Goya mocks meaningless superstitions and irrational fears.
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Photo credit: © WBC ART / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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