The Carnivorous Vulture, plate 76 from The Disasters of War Possibly 1815 - 1863

"The Carnivorous Vulture" is an etching from Francisco Goya’s series “The Disasters of War,” a collection of 82 prints that are believed to have been created in the early 19th century. The print portrays a large, monstrous vulture towering over a group of emaciated figures. This grotesque image serves as a powerful commentary on the brutality and suffering inflicted by war. The artist's use of dynamic lines and stark contrasts underscores the harrowing scene, highlighting the vulnerability of the victims and the immense power of the vulture, who embodies the destructive forces of conflict. "The Carnivorous Vulture" is a haunting reminder of the horrors of war and the enduring impact it has on individuals and societies.