Who painted The Proverbs: Folly of Fear?

The Proverbs: Folly of Fear was painted by Francisco de Goya.

Where can I see The Proverbs: Folly of Fear?

The Proverbs: Folly of Fear is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Proverbs: Folly of Fear?

The Proverbs: Folly of Fear is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Proverbs: Folly of Fear

Francisco de Goya

The Proverbs: Folly of Fear is a print by the Impressionist artist Francisco de Goya. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1928.102.2
Credit line: Gift of Grover Higgins

About this work

Overview

Francisco de Goya’s print titled The Proverbs: Folly of Fear dates from 1864 and is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The composition presents a stark, nocturnal tableau dominated by a towering, hooded figure whose concealed face looks down upon a cluster of distressed figures on the ground.

Subject & Meaning

The work visualises an allegorical warning against fear, with the looming cloaked presence embodying the oppressive force that overwhelms the vulnerable. The gathered figures appear trapped and anxious, suggesting the psychological weight of dread and the paralysis it can impose on ordinary people.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, Goya employs dramatic chiaroscuro, allowing a single, unseen light source to carve deep shadows and accentuate the contrast between the dark background and the illuminated forms. The stark tonal range and bold outlines heighten the sense of menace and emotional intensity.

History & Provenance

The piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings after being acquired from a private collection, though its earlier ownership trail remains limited in documentation. Its dating to the mid‑19th century places it among Goya’s later, more somber works.

Context

Created during a period when Goya explored darker, more introspective themes, the print reflects the artist’s preoccupation with human folly and the psychological effects of terror. It aligns with his broader series of moralizing images that critique societal anxieties.