The Third of May 1808
Francisco Goya
Description
This painting shows the brutal execution of Spanish civilians by Napoleon's troops. It's based on real events during the Peninsular War, when the French army crushed a Spanish uprising in Madrid. The scene is set at night, under a dark sky. On one side, a line of faceless soldiers raises their rifles. On the other side, a group of terrified captives await death.
At the center is a man in a white shirt, arms stretched wide like a crucifix, just moments before he's shot. His face shows horror, but also courage. Around him lie the bodies of others already killed. There's blood on the ground and pain in the air this isn't a heroic battle scene, it's a human tragedy.
Analysis
Goya's painting is a powerful example of Romanticism's focus on emotion, individual suffering, and the dark side of human history. He doesn't try to idealize or sanitize the event instead, he shows the raw fear, pain, and injustice. The man in white becomes a symbol of innocence, resistance, and sacrifice.
The use of stark light and shadow pulls your eye directly to him, while the line of soldiers becomes almost machine-like cold, mechanical, and inhuman. This shows the contrast between human feeling and violence.
Details
- Date:1814
- Medium:Oil on canvas
- Dimensions:268 cm x 347 cm
- Location:Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain