Stor tapperhed! overfor de døde! (39) 1810 - 1820

Francisco Goya created this etching, titled "Stor tapperhed! overfor de døde!," as part of his series "The Disasters of War." The series reflects the tumultuous period of the Peninsular War in early 19th-century Spain, a conflict rife with brutality. Goya uses stark imagery to critique not only the violence of war but also the political and social structures that enable such atrocities. Notice how Goya employs harsh lines and a dramatic contrast of light and shadow to amplify the emotional impact of the scene. The print's title translates to "Great deeds! Against the dead!" a sarcastic commentary on the supposed heroism of war. This work challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the consequences of political violence. Historians consult military records, personal letters, and political pamphlets to fully understand the context surrounding artworks like these. It's a reminder that art is always embedded in, and shaped by, its social and institutional context.