Right or Wrong c. 18th century

Editor: This is "Right or Wrong" by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. It's a small etching, only about 6x8 inches. The scene is unsettling, it has men pulling on a rope, and others lying on the ground. What’s your take on this work? Curator: Goya witnessed immense violence in Spain. What we see here is more than just a depiction of conflict, it's a critique of power dynamics. Notice the anonymity of the uniformed figures versus the expressive suffering of those being brutalized. How does that contrast speak to you? Editor: It feels like it’s saying power dehumanizes, but resistance, even in suffering, retains humanity. Curator: Precisely! Goya's work challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about justice, oppression, and our shared responsibility. Editor: I hadn't considered the role of anonymity so explicitly. Thanks. Curator: These nuances reveal how art becomes a critical lens to analyze socio-political realities.