These too, plate 25 from The Disasters of War Possibly 1810 - 1863

Francisco de Goya created this etching, plate 25 from *The Disasters of War*, to bear witness to the atrocities of the Napoleonic occupation of Spain. Goya, a court painter, was deeply affected by the violence he saw. The print depicts a mass of bodies, some living, some dead, bearing witness to the indiscriminate nature of war. Look closely at the figures, many of whom are women and children, rendered anonymous in their suffering. The caption "tambien estos" - "these too" - suggests the universality of suffering, encompassing all victims of war, regardless of age, gender, or social status. It’s hard to miss Goya’s critical view of armed conflict, far from the heroic narratives typically associated with war. Instead he offers an unflinching portrayal of its human cost, particularly for those most vulnerable. Through this harrowing image, Goya compels us to confront the uncomfortable realities of violence and its enduring impact on humanity.