Bitter to be Present, plate 13 from The Disasters of War Possibly 1810 - 1863

"Bitter to be Present" is one of the 80 etchings that comprise Francisco Goya's "The Disasters of War" series, created in the early 19th century and capturing the horrors of the Peninsular War. This particular etching depicts a brutal scene of violence, likely a soldier looting a victim, highlighting the senseless suffering inflicted upon the Spanish people. The etching, created with aquatint and etching techniques, uses stark contrasts of light and dark, emphasizing the harsh realities of war. This series is a powerful commentary on the brutality of conflict, reflecting Goya's own experiences and the human cost of war.