Third of May
Factual Information:
From: Spain
Period: 1808, 1814
Period: 1808, 1814
General Information:
This intensely emotionally charged painting by Francisco Goya was painted for the anniversary and commemoration of the Spanish resistance to Napoleons armies during their occupation of Spain. The painting depicts the French, in retaliation for the Spanish resistance, executing numerous Spanish citizens. Goya shows in the most emotional fashion the firing squad preparing to shoot on the Spanish peasants. Goya shows intense emotion in the faces of those about to be executed and covered faces for the French, making them appear ruthless. One of the peasants about the be shot throws up his hands in a cruciform stance, reminiscent of Christs position on the cross. Goya also helps to show the emotional drama of the tragic event through his stark use of dark colors and light ones. Goya also helps to show the ruthlessness of the Frnehc by not only showing those about to be executed, but also those who already had been, lying on the ground dead.
Why This Artwork?
This artwork was chosen because of the intense emotion shown in the scene, a major part of the Romanticism movement. Also it shows important events during the time period and the Spanish view on those events, which helps to gain a look into what they had to go through during this time.