Artwork

The Horrors of War: I Saw It

The Horrors of War:  I Saw It, by Francisco de Goya, 1815
The Horrors of War:  I Saw It, by Francisco de Goya, 1815

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

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.

The Horrors of War:  They Make Use of Them
The Horrors of War: They Make Use of Them, 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 The Horrors of War: I Saw It?

The Horrors of War: I Saw It was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1815.

Where can I see The Horrors of War: I Saw It?

The Horrors of War: I Saw It is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Horrors of War: I Saw It?

The Horrors of War: I Saw It is associated with Romanticism.