Thanks to the Millet, plate 51 from The Disasters of War Possibly 1812 - 1863

"Thanks to the Millet," was etched by Francisco de Goya, a Spanish artist who bore witness to the tumultuous years of the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. In this print, we confront the stark realities of famine during wartime. Set against a backdrop of conflict, this work transcends mere documentation, revealing a profound social commentary. The central figure is a woman, prone on the ground, as others offer her food. Is this charity, or mere crumbs? The emotional weight of the scene is palpable, raising questions about survival and the value of human life amid war. Goya's series, "The Disasters of War," to which this print belongs, serves as a visual indictment of the atrocities he witnessed. It questions traditional heroic narratives of war, emphasizing the devastating effects on ordinary people. Through this lens, Goya challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and human suffering.