Goya in times of war

Edited by Manuela B. Mena Marqués

ISBN: 978-84-95241-55-9

Year: 2008

Pages: 544

Illustrations: 330

Binding: hardcover with dust jacket

Size: 24 x 30 cm

Published by: Madrid, National Prado Museum and El Viso Editions

The catalogue "Goya in Times of War" presents the exhibition held at the Museo del Prado between April and July 2008, to commemorate the bicentennial of May 2, 1808, and the start of the Peninsular War. The exhibition focuses on a key period in Francisco de Goya's career, from 1799, when he was appointed First Court Painter, to 1819, the year he retired due to illness. Although the war occupies a central place, the catalogue broadens its scope to include other contemporary conflicts and events that influenced his work. Nearly two hundred pieces are analyzed, many of which have been restored or recently subjected to technical studies, with the Dos y Tres de Mayo paintings being particularly noteworthy. The work is structured into four chronological stages: from his first commissions after his illness and his relationships with figures such as Godoy and the Dukes of Alba, through his most brilliant period as a court portraitist, to the works produced during the war, such as The Disasters of War . Finally, his production between 1814 and 1820 is addressed, with independent works such as La tauromaquia and Los disparates , where he freely expresses his ideas and his critical vision of reality.