They Do Not Agree 18th-19th century

Editor: This etching by Goya, "They Do Not Agree," plunges us into the chaos of conflict. The composition feels incredibly charged. How do you interpret the social commentary Goya might be making here? Curator: Goya’s Disasters of War series, including this plate, directly confronts the horrors of the Peninsular War. Consider how the print challenges heroic depictions of conflict prevalent at the time. Editor: It seems to invert that tradition. What role do you think the printing medium played in disseminating these views? Curator: Etchings allowed for wider distribution, bringing the brutal realities of war to a broader public and shaping opinions about the conflict. Have our museums today learned from the past when showcasing artworks focused on conflicts? Editor: It’s fascinating to consider the impact of Goya's work on public perception. I appreciate understanding it in this historical context. Curator: Indeed, understanding the socio-political climate illuminates Goya’s powerful message, and how art can influence and reflect societal attitudes toward conflict and power.