The Beds of Death, plate 62 from The Disasters of War Possibly 1812 - 1863

"The Beds of Death" is an etching created by Francisco de Goya as part of his series, "The Disasters of War." This series, produced between 1810 and 1820, unflinchingly portrays the atrocities of the Peninsular War. Here, Goya depicts a grief-stricken woman, shrouded in a white cloth, standing amidst corpses. Her posture speaks volumes of despair and helplessness. This image vividly captures the raw, emotional toll of war on civilians, particularly women, who were often left to mourn their lost loved ones and bear the societal burden of conflict. Goya’s stark, unflinching representation departs from traditional heroic depictions of war, focusing instead on its brutal reality and profound human cost. "The Disasters of War" acts as both a historical record and a powerful anti-war statement, inviting viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths about violence and its lasting impact on individuals and communities. The grief is palpable; Goya makes us witnesses to the intimate tragedy of war.