Friar Pedro Wrests the Gun from El Maragato c. 1806

"Friar Pedro Wrests the Gun from El Maragato" (c. 1806) is a painting by Francisco Goya depicting a dramatic scene of a confrontation between a friar and a man. The friar, identified as Friar Pedro, is shown forcefully disarming the man, known as El Maragato, who is attempting to use a gun. The painting, characterized by Goya's signature loose brushwork and dramatic lighting, captures the intensity of the moment. This work is representative of Goya's "Black Paintings" series, which often explored themes of violence, superstition, and the darker aspects of human nature. The scene, set in a seemingly humble interior, suggests a powerful struggle over power and control, highlighting the tumultuous societal and political atmosphere of Goya's time.