Even Worse, plate 22 from The Disasters of War Possibly 1810 - 1863

Editor: This is "Even Worse," plate 22 from "The Disasters of War," made by Francisco de Goya, likely between 1810 and 1863. It’s an etching and drypoint print. The desaturated quality makes the whole piece feel stark and somber. I’m struck by how Goya arranged the bodies in the foreground. What structural elements do you see at play here? Curator: Observe how Goya masterfully utilizes the contrast between light and shadow to guide our gaze. The lighter tones accentuate the ravaged bodies in the foreground, creating a disturbing intimacy. This foreground is juxtaposed against the more indistinct background. Editor: The horizon seems to flatten everything. Curator: Precisely. The composition flattens, eliminating spatial depth and trapping the viewer within the horror of the scene. The figures become part of a field, which is echoed in the more blurred and flattened shapes in the distance. Note also how the jagged lines of the drypoint technique enhance the sense of chaos and violence. Editor: I hadn't noticed how the lines themselves contributed to the overall feeling. So it’s not just what's depicted, but *how* it’s depicted that conveys meaning. Curator: Exactly. Goya's expert manipulation of formal elements intensifies the emotional impact, creating a profound statement on the nature of war and human suffering. Editor: It’s incredible how much can be conveyed through these artistic choices, even without explicit symbolism. Thank you for that new perspective. Curator: My pleasure. Looking closer reveals the language of art at its most evocative.