Appeals are in vain, plate 54 from The Disasters of War Possibly 1812 - 1863

This is plate 54 from Francisco de Goya's series, *The Disasters of War.* It is rendered with etching and aquatint, starkly portraying the futility of human pleas amidst conflict. The image conveys a cluster of figures huddled around a stone structure, perhaps seeking refuge or justice. One figure, seemingly a soldier or official, stands with his back to the viewer, embodying indifference or authority. This motif—the turned back—resonates across art history, from ancient Roman depictions of stoic emperors to modern portrayals of bureaucratic detachment. It speaks to a psychological barrier, a refusal to acknowledge the suffering before one’s eyes. The gesture echoes through time, reappearing in diverse contexts, each instance layering new meanings onto the symbol, a testament to the enduring power of human indifference. In this composition, Goya captures not just a moment in war, but a timeless commentary on power, suffering, and the echo of appeals lost to the ages.