Who painted The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother?

The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1815.

Where can I see The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother?

The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother?

The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother

Francisco de Goya , 1815

The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother 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.: 1922.566
Credit line: Dudley P. Allen Fund

About this work

Overview

The Horrors of War: Unhappy Mother is a print by Francisco de Goya, created around 1815. It is part of a series of works exploring the consequences of conflict.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts four figures near water, with two men supporting a third who appears injured, while a child stands alone, lost in thought. The title 'Madre infeliz!' or 'Unhappy Mother!' suggests the child's sorrow, implying a narrative of loss and grief.

Technique & Style

Goya employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to create a dramatic and emotionally charged atmosphere. The resulting dark, shadowy scene heightens the sense of tension and despair.

History & Provenance

The print is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art, a testament to its enduring significance as a work exploring the human cost of war.