Why? 18th-19th century

Editor: This etching, titled "Why?" is by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. The scene is unsettling; violence seems imminent. What's your take? Curator: Goya's series, "The Disasters of War," relentlessly critiques power. The vulnerable figure pinned against the tree becomes a symbol of the voiceless victims of conflict. Consider the composition: the armed figures are sharply defined, while their victim dissolves into the shadows. Editor: So, it's a commentary on the dehumanizing aspects of war? Curator: Precisely. Goya challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truths about domination and the suffering it inflicts, reminding us that these power dynamics persist. Editor: I never thought of it that way. Thanks! Curator: It's a potent piece for prompting critical reflection on contemporary issues.