The Madness of Fear 1823

"The Madness of Fear" is one of the 80 prints that comprise Francisco Goya's "The Disasters of War", a series created between 1810 and 1820 and published in 1863. Goya's etchings are a powerful indictment of the brutality of war, and this print depicts the psychological toll of conflict. The central figure, shrouded in darkness, represents fear, looming over the fallen soldiers below. The print utilizes dramatic chiaroscuro, with stark contrasts of light and dark, to emphasize the oppressive nature of fear. "The Madness of Fear" is a haunting and unforgettable image that reflects Goya's own experiences during the Peninsular War.