Artwork

Disasters of War: It Always Happens

Disasters of War: It Always Happens, by Francisco de Goya, 1815
Disasters of War: It Always Happens, by Francisco de Goya, 1815

Disasters of War: It Always Happens is a print by the Romanticist artist Francisco de Goya. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1998.97

About this work

Overview

Disasters of War: It Always Happens is a print by Francisco de Goya, created in 1815. It is a chaotic scene depicting people and animals struggling in turbulent water.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a group overwhelmed by a large wave, conveying a sense of urgency and disorder. The title 'It Always Happens' suggests that the suffering caused by war is recurrent, underscoring the artist's commentary on its cyclical nature.

Technique & Style

Goya's use of rough, dark, and uneven lines creates a sense of turmoil, characteristic of his expressive style. This work is associated with Romanticism, a movement that emphasized dramatic and emotionally charged representations of human struggles.

History & Provenance

The print is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

The Horrors of War:  They Do Not Arrive In Time
The Horrors of War: They Do Not Arrive In Time, Francisco de Goya

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francisco de Goya

Artist

Francisco de Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Disasters of War: It Always Happens?

Disasters of War: It Always Happens was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1815.

Where can I see Disasters of War: It Always Happens?

Disasters of War: It Always Happens is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Disasters of War: It Always Happens?

Disasters of War: It Always Happens is associated with Romanticism.