Goya The Third of May

From Art and Politics Paper: The Third of May is a Romantic work by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. In the early 19th century, Romantic artists like Goya began to incorporate dramatic action into their works. The action in The Third of May can definitely be described as such. The painting portrays men being shot by executioners. The story of the painting is incredibly political. The Spanish people finally recognized the French as invaders and sought a way to expel them. On May 2, 1808, the Spanish attacked the Napoleonic soldiers in a violent clash. In retaliation, and as a display of their power, the French responded by executing Spanish citizens the next day (Kleiner 830).

In a very emotional way, Goya anonymously depicts the French soldiers. They are facing away from the viewer and are wearing hats that cover their faces. They are also very dark, displaying the bleakness of war. Goya also encourages empathy for the Spanish victims by portraying their horrified expressions and faces full of anguish. They are given a humanity that the firing squad does not have. Most interestingly, one of the peasants that is about to be shot has his hands throw up in a cruciform gesture. This is reminiscent of Christ’s position on the cross.

Goya also uses light to enhance the drama of this event. The only portion of the painting with significant light and color is the portion containing the Spanish victims. Even the blood of the already dead Spaniards is painted vividly and in the light. The lives and pain of the Spanish victims are brought to the forefront through Goya’s use of light and color. The other parts of the painting are dark and grim, like the very idea of war. The sky itself is black.

It is important to know why and for whom paintings are created. It gives a much-needed context to the work of art. The Third of May was painted in 1814 for Ferdinand VII, who had been restored to the throne after the French where forced to leave. It was painted in order to depict the resistance and patriotism of the Spanish people in whatever situation. The Third of May’s content, presentation, and emotional force secure its status as a groundbreaking image of the horrors of war (McNeese 120).