Description
The painting "A Procession of Flagellants" by the Spanish artist Francisco De Goya Y Lucientes is a work that attracts attention for its artistic style, composition and color. The work was created in 1812 and has an original size of 46 x 73 cm.
Goya's artistic style in this work is characteristic of his darkest and most pessimistic stage, known as "the black period". In this stage, the artist moves away from the neoclassical style and focuses on darker and more gloomy themes, such as death, madness and war. In "A Procession of Flagellants", Goya shows his ability to represent darkness and violence in a powerful and realistic way.
The composition of the work is impressive. Goya uses the chiaroscuro technique to create a sensation of depth and volume in the image. The characters in the procession look as if they were moving, thanks to the arrangement of their bodies and the direction of their gazes. The image itself is very dynamic, with a wealth of detail that keeps the viewer interested and engaged.
The color used by Goya in "A Procession of Flagellants" is quite dark and somber, reflecting the general tone of the image. Shades of gray and brown dominate the work, creating a feeling of sadness and heaviness. However, Goya uses small brushstrokes of red and yellow to create points of interest and attract the viewer's attention.
The story behind the painting is also interesting. The work was created during the Spanish War of Independence, a time of great instability and violence in Spain. The procession of flagellants shown in the work was a common practice at the time, in which penitents whipped themselves as a form of atonement for their sins. Goya uses this practice as a metaphor for the violence and madness that was occurring in Spain at the time.
As for little-known aspects, it is said that Goya was inspired by a royal procession that he witnessed in Madrid to create this work. Furthermore, it is believed that the image of the central figure, who wears a crown of thorns, was inspired by Goya himself, who felt persecuted and oppressed at that time in his life.
In conclusion, "A Procession of Flagellants" is an impressive work that stands out for its artistic style, composition, color and its history. It is a testament to Goya's talent and skill as an artist, as well as his ability to depict darkness and violence in powerful and realistic ways.