The Arrest of Christ 1788

Francisco de Goya’s ‘The Arrest of Christ’ was painted in oil on canvas, sometime in his mature period. Goya prepared this image for its intended location in the Toledo Cathedral by layering ground pigments with oil to manipulate color and texture. The result is a somber scene, lit in a way that heightens the drama of Christ’s capture. The thick application of paint, particularly visible in the faces of the crowd, adds to the emotional intensity. Goya was celebrated for his skill, and the status that came with it. But the image also speaks of an unequal society, and of the class hierarchies of the 18th and 19th centuries. The weapons, garments, and faces tell of a society where injustice and suffering were imposed on many. Thinking about the materials and making of this painting in this way gives us a richer understanding, challenging the idea that ‘fine art’ can be separated from everyday life.