Artwork

El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun

El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun, by Francisco de Goya, oil, 1806
El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun, by Francisco de Goya, oil, 1806

El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun is an oil painting by Francisco de Goya. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1806, El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun is an oil painting by Francisco Goya, capturing a dramatic moment of confrontation between two figures in a dimly lit, stone-walled space.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a bandit (El Maragato) menacing Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with a gun. The friar, in a brown robe with clasped hands, appears to pray or plead for mercy, highlighting a stark power imbalance and conflict.

Technique & Style

Goya's characteristic bold and expressive style is evident in the vivid, contrasting attire of the subjects (blue jacket and yellow pants vs. brown robe) and the tense, dramatic atmosphere achieved through chiaroscuro in the dimly lit setting.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1806, the work reflects Goya's practice of addressing contemporary themes, though specific historical context or provenance details for this piece are not provided in the available information.

Context

This painting bridges the artistic gap between the Old Masters and emerging modern movements, characteristic of Goya's influential body of work that would later impact 19th- and 20th-century art.

Legacy

As part of Goya's oeuvre, the painting contributes to his legacy as the most important Spanish artist of his time, known for works that navigated historical upheavals with innovative, expressive techniques.

El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun
El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun, Francisco de Goya

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francisco de Goya

Artist

Francisco de Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun?

El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1806.

Where can I see El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun?

El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

Can I buy a print of El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun?

Museum-quality prints of El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.