Barbarians!, plate 38 from The Disasters of War Possibly 1812 - 1863

Barbarians! plate 38 from The Disasters of War was made by Francisco de Goya using etching and burnishing. This intaglio printmaking method involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, allowing for fine lines and detailed shading. In this image, we see figures in a grim scene of conflict. The processes used to create this print, specifically the controlled corrosion of the metal plate, mirror the destructive forces depicted. The acid biting into the metal can be seen as analogous to the violence of war, etching its mark on both the physical plate and the collective consciousness. Consider the labor-intensive process of printmaking at this time, each print requiring careful inking and pressing. Here, the stark contrast and the repetitive nature of printmaking emphasize the widespread suffering and dehumanization inherent in warfare. Goya's choice of printmaking, a medium capable of mass production, underscores the pervasive impact of conflict on society. It reminds us of the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.