The Shipwreck 1794

Francisco de Goya painted 'The Shipwreck' with oil on canvas. The materiality of oil paint allowed Goya to create depth and drama, capturing the chaotic movement of the sea and the desperation of the figures. Looking closely, the thick impasto of the paint is particularly noticeable in the tumultuous waves and stormy sky. This evokes a sense of the raw, untamed power of nature. Goya was likely using brushes and palette knives to apply the paint in such a textured way. Consider how the physical act of painting, the very labor of applying paint to canvas, contributes to the emotional impact of the scene. 'The Shipwreck' shows the vulnerability of human beings against the forces of nature, but it also underscores the artist’s own labor and skill in bringing this scene to life. By focusing on the material and the process, we gain a richer understanding of the artwork's message.