The same 1815

Francisco Goya created this etching, titled "The Same," as part of his series "The Disasters of War," likely between 1810 and 1820. It captures a scene of brutal violence, a pile of bodies beneath a man wielding an axe. Goya was working in Spain during a period of intense political upheaval. The Peninsular War, with its widespread violence and social disruption, deeply affected him. This print isn't just a depiction of violence; it's a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of conflict. The figures are anonymous, stripped of individuality, emphasizing the generalized suffering of war. Goya's work questioned the institutions of power. His unflinching portrayal of violence challenged the romanticized visions of war promoted by the state. To understand Goya's work fully, scholars consult historical records, personal correspondence, and studies of Spanish society during the Napoleonic era. This helps us to understand how art reflects and responds to specific social and institutional contexts.