Artwork

The Horrors of War: They Can Still Be of Use

The Horrors of War:  They Can Still Be of Use, by Francisco de Goya, 1815
The Horrors of War:  They Can Still Be of Use, by Francisco de Goya, 1815

The Horrors of War: They Can Still Be of Use 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.
1922.540

About this work

Overview

They Can Still Be of Use is a print by Francisco de Goya, created around 1815, and is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a group of men surrounding a lifeless body, one of whom holds it upright. Their faces, lit by a faint glow, convey a mix of sadness and anger, evoking a somber and despairing mood.

Technique & Style

The scene is set against a dark background, with the men's simple clothing and contorted expressions adding to the overall emotional impact.

Context

The work is a powerful representation of the horrors of war, reflecting Goya's concerns with the consequences of conflict.

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: They Can Still Be of Use?

The Horrors of War: They Can Still Be of Use was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1815.

Where can I see The Horrors of War: They Can Still Be of Use?

The Horrors of War: They Can Still Be of Use is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Horrors of War: They Can Still Be of Use?

The Horrors of War: They Can Still Be of Use is associated with Romanticism.