Do Not Lose Honour through Fear [Folly of Fear] c. 1813 - 1820

"Do Not Lose Honour through Fear" is an etching by Francisco Goya, one of eighty plates that make up his series "Los Disparates," or "The Follies." This image presents a haunting vision of the social landscape of early 19th century Spain, a time of political upheaval and social unrest. Goya lived through the Napoleonic Wars and the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy, which were both deeply unsettling events. These events likely influenced his work and inspired him to create images that reflected the anxieties of the time. Goya’s series was not published until well after his death, perhaps because it was a critique of the institutions of power in his time. The image uses stark contrasts of light and shadow to create a dramatic scene, one which captures the fear and uncertainty of the historical moment. Art historians rely on a variety of research resources such as letters, historical documents, and critical essays to understand the social and institutional contexts.