Artwork
The Horrors of War: I Saw It

The Horrors of War: I Saw It 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.
- 1922.560
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen Fund
About this work
Overview
The Horrors of War: I Saw It 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 scene by water, with a group of people in a state of panic, some pointing or clutching their faces. The title suggests a connection to war, but the artist has omitted clear details, leaving the scene open to interpretation.
Technique & Style
The loose lines and smudged shading convey a sense of urgency and haste, giving the impression of a sketch made on the spot. The focus is on the dark, messy figures in the foreground, while the background is faintly rendered with a mountain and trees.
Context
The work is characteristic of Romanticism, a style that emphasizes intense emotions and expressive brushwork.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.
















