Artwork
The Horrors of War: He Defends Himself Well

The Horrors of War: He Defends Himself Well 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.
- 1922.594
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen Fund
About this work
Overview
The Horrors of War: He Defends Himself Well is a print by Francisco de Goya, created around 1815, and is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a chaotic struggle between dogs and wolves surrounding a smaller animal, possibly a goat or deer. The title 'Se defiende bien' ('He defends himself well') adds a layer of interpretation to the violent scene, suggesting the smaller animal's resilience.
Technique & Style
Goya employed rapid, expressive lines to convey the movement and tension in the scene, creating a dynamic and unsettling atmosphere. The simple background, comprising a few trees and a dark sky, focuses attention on the central conflict.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.

















