Who painted The Hanged Monk?

The Hanged Monk was painted by Francisco de Goya in 1810.

Where can I see The Hanged Monk?

The Hanged Monk is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is The Hanged Monk?

The Hanged Monk is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The Hanged Monk?

Museum-quality prints of The Hanged Monk are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Hanged Monk

Francisco de Goya , 1810

The Hanged Monk is an oil painting by the Romanticist artist Francisco de Goya. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Accession no.: 22808
Credit line: Robert A. Waller Memorial Fund

About this work

Overview

The Hanged Monk is an oil on panel painting created by Francisco de Goya around 1810. It is now held at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a monk suspended upside-down from a rope tied around his ankles. The figure's face is obscured by shadow, while his body is illuminated against a dark background. The monk's circumstances are ambiguous, leaving interpretation open.

Technique & Style

Goya employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to create a dramatic effect. The monk's body glows against the dark surroundings, heightening the sense of tension.

Context

The painting was created during the tumultuous period of Spain's war with France, a conflict marked by violence and upheaval. This historical context may have influenced Goya's work, although the specific inspiration remains unclear.