Who painted The Horrors of War: They Escape Through the Flames?

The Horrors of War: They Escape Through the Flames was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1815.

Where can I see The Horrors of War: They Escape Through the Flames?

The Horrors of War: They Escape Through the Flames is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Horrors of War: They Escape Through the Flames?

The Horrors of War: They Escape Through the Flames is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Horrors of War: They Escape Through the Flames

Francisco de Goya , 1815

The Horrors of War: They Escape Through the Flames 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.: 1922.557
Credit line: Dudley P. Allen Fund

About this work

Overview

The Horrors of War: They Escape Through the Flames is a history print by Francisco de Goya, dating to circa 1815, housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art. It depicts a chaotic nocturnal scene of fleeing figures amidst flames.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates a desperate night-time escape from a war-torn, burning setting. Panic-stricken figures, some with children or possessions, flee through flames and water, conveying the terror of war. The title emphasizes the desperate act of escape.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, sketchy lines and dramatic, high-contrast lighting, the work conveys urgency and raw emotion, aligning with the expressive intensity of Romanticism, which prioritizes emotional depth over serene beauty.

History & Provenance

Created around 1815 by Francisco de Goya, the print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. Specific details about its creation context or earlier ownership are not provided.

Context

Emerging during the late Romantic period, the work reflects Goya's engagement with the horrors of conflict, possibly alluding to the Napoleonic Wars' impact on Spain, though the specific event depicted is not explicitly identified.

Legacy

While the broader legacy of this specific print is not detailed, it contributes to Goya's renowned body of work critiquing war and human suffering, influencing subsequent artistic explorations of conflict and emotional realism.