The Horrors of War:  Nothing. The Event Will Tell

The Horrors of War: Nothing. The Event Will Tell

Francisco Goya

1815

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a chaotic scene in a wooded area. In the foreground, a person lies on the ground, writing in a book while holding a pen. Around them, other figures are scattered—some appear to be injured or dead, tangled in trees and brush. The background is dark and thick with foliage, making the scene feel tense and crowded. The title hints at war’s brutality, but the artist leaves little to the imagination. The stark contrast between light and dark shapes makes the scene feel even more dramatic. If this style intrigues you, look up *chiaroscuro* next.

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