The Ominous Black Paintings of Francisco Goya
Blind Dweller・2 minutes read
Peter Paul Rubens' painting "Saturn Devouring His Son" inspired Francisco Goya to create his own version as part of the dark collection of Black Paintings, reflecting Goya's isolation and fears. Goya's works, including "The Fates" and "Witch's Sabbath," served as social commentary on his personal struggles against religious extremism and mental health issues, influencing future artists like Picasso and Dali.
Insights
- Goya's Black Paintings, inspired by Rubens' work, delve into themes of isolation, madness, and societal turmoil, reflecting his personal struggles and providing a dark commentary on humanity and the world.
- Through his art, Goya critiques religious extremism, political oppression, and societal injustices, using symbolism and dark imagery to challenge the status quo and express his fears, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on future artists like Picasso and Dali.
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Recent questions
Who painted "Saturn Devouring His Son"?
Peter Paul Rubens
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Summary
00:00
Goya's Dark Paintings: Madness, Isolation, and Humanity
- In 1636, Peter Paul Rubens completed the painting "Saturn Devouring His Son," depicting the ancient Roman myth of Saturn fearing his children's overthrow.
- The painting's style reflects Michelangelo's influence on Rubens during his travels in Italy.
- Francisco Goya, inspired by Rubens' work, created his own version of "Saturn Devouring His Son" as part of a collection of dark paintings known as the Black Paintings.
- Goya, a renowned Spanish artist, faced increasing madness and paranoia, possibly due to an undiagnosed illness that left him deaf.
- Goya's isolation and alienation during troubled times influenced his dark paintings, reflecting his view of humanity and the world.
- Goya's resentment towards society was likely fueled by Spain's political and economic turmoil during the Napoleonic occupation and internal conflicts.
- Goya's Black Paintings were created in his isolated villa between 1819 and 1823, expressing his darkest thoughts and fears.
- The painting "El Perro" portrays a dog trapped in mud or quicksand, symbolizing hopelessness and man's futile struggles.
- "La Leocadia" features a woman, possibly Goya's maid, mourning or symbolizing loss and heartbreak.
- "Dos Viejos" depicts an old man, possibly representing Goya's fears of losing sanity and becoming isolated, with a deformed figure possibly symbolizing malevolence or harm.
16:11
Goya's Dark Depictions of Humanity
- Goya's paintings often depict commoners or peasants driven to hatred and violence, leading to self-destruction.
- "Dos Misueles" portrays two women and a man in a dark setting with unsettling expressions and actions.
- The man is believed to be mentally disabled or inappropriately pleasuring himself, while the women are seen as prostitutes or witches.
- Goya's dark interpretation of sexuality in "Dos Misueles" contrasts with his usual prudish nature.
- "Vizion Fantastica" shows two figures levitating in fear, possibly referencing the horrors of the Peninsula War.
- The painting "La Electrola" depicts men reading with a sense of foreboding, reflecting Goya's disdain for politicians.
- Goya's black paintings, like "La Electrola," were often altered multiple times, revealing his dedication to achieving a specific mood.
- "The Fates" portrays the mythological goddesses of destiny, symbolizing the inevitability of death and destiny.
- "Dos Viejos Con Comiendo Sopa" features two characters eating soup, possibly symbolizing famine, poverty, or the fear of aging.
- "Saturno Devorando Asorigo" depicts Saturn devouring his son, showcasing a dramatic shift in Goya's style and a portrayal of madness and paranoia.
32:17
Goya's Satanic Paintings Critique Religious Extremism
- The final painting discussed is called Aquilare or El Gran Cablon, known as Witch's Sabbath or The Great He Goats in English, depicting Satan in the form of a black goat preaching to a crowd in ceremonial attire.
- Goya's earlier painting from 1789, similar to Aquilare, shows a disturbing scene with a mother offering her child to a he goat, surrounded by grim imagery like dead children and fetuses hanging from a stake.
- Goya's paintings may serve as social commentary on the Spanish Inquisition's witch hunts and superstitions, criticizing the church's scare tactics for political gain.
- Goya's art, including the Black Paintings, reflects his rebellion against religious extremism and his personal fears, showcasing the faces of the crowd as demonic and submissive.
- Goya's legacy as a Spanish artist is profound, influencing greats like Picasso and Dali, with his art serving as a therapeutic outlet for his fears and mental health struggles during a time of neglect and demonization of mental illness.
