The Women Give Courage, plate four from The Disasters of War Possibly 1810 - 1863

Francisco de Goya created this intaglio print, plate four from *The Disasters of War*, using etching, drypoint, burin and burnisher. The composition immediately draws your eye to the raw emotionality of the scene, as it uses a limited tonal range to amplify the dramatic tension. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates a visual metaphor for the clarity of courage amidst the darkness of war. Consider how Goya destabilizes traditional heroic narratives by focusing on the courage of women; their forms are bulky and take up most of the space. This is not about idealized heroism, but about the courage found in the everyday struggle for survival. The use of line and texture, achieved through the printmaking process, adds a layer of complexity. These function not only aesthetically but also as part of a larger cultural and philosophical discourse on the human condition. This work remains a powerful testament to the enduring spirit found even in the most horrific of circumstances.