That's tough!, plate 31 from The Disasters of War Possibly 1812 - 1863

"That's tough!" is an etching by Francisco de Goya, part of his series "The Disasters of War," created between 1810 and 1820. Goya, living in Spain during a time of conflict and political upheaval, captured the grim realities of the Peninsular War in these prints. Here, we witness the brutality of war as a soldier stands triumphantly amidst death and despair, a disturbing contrast of power and vulnerability. Goya uses stark lines to evoke a sense of anguish and injustice, while the title adds a layer of cynical commentary on the indifference to human suffering. The emotional impact of this work lies in Goya’s unflinching depiction of violence and its consequences. He invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the cost of conflict. It's a meditation on the psychological and physical trauma inflicted during war, challenging traditional heroic narratives. "That's tough!" is an enduring reminder of the need for empathy and compassion in the face of inhumanity.