Second of May 1808 by Francisco Goya
Question one
The depicted in this context is very crucial in the history of Spain. I have viewed the art while studying the historical commemoration of Spain. The painting illustrates the period of rebellion against the French troops in Spain. In the image, we can see different types of attire on which the people are wearing. It signifies the idea that a great number of individuals in the painting industry are from different regions. For instance, most of those who tie some piece of clothes on their head are mostly the Mamelukes from Spain. Others are in leather jackets, representing the typical French citizens. The other group of people represents the Spanish citizens who have come in the streets to protest against the French troops in their territory (Kim 192).
The content of the painting can be explained in various dimensions. Symbolically, the painting represents a rebellious event that took place on the second of May in 1808 in Spain. It is observable that blood is shed in the event. There are swords in use in the painting. Local sticks and knives depict a scenario that would lead to the loss of lives. Francisco Goya is said to have been raised in Spain. However, it is not clear whether he witnessed the events depicted in the painting, or the work is based on mere creativity. As an insurgent group, the Spanish Mamelukes and the local citizens fight the French troops. Some suggest that the painter must have assisted the Spanish troops throughout these rebellious moments (Meißner 71).
Politically, Ferdinand VII was not happy about Goya’s painting. Therefore, it did not receive much appreciation for a very long period. Goya’s work was a representation of the Spanish citizens being heroic and loyal to their land. This was, however, not the case with Ferdinand VII. He disliked the painting since he thought that the citizens might turn against their own army and take it down. Due to this issue, it is said that the painting could not be hung in public places for very many years. Despite this ideology, the painting has gained more significance due to its symbolism and historical importance. The painting can be found in many areas of the city of Madrid today.
Question two
The author of this painting is Francisco Goya. Goya lived in the time when the French army occupied Spanish land. Research asserts that Francisco Goya is born in Spain and spent almost his entire life in the country. At an early age, Francisco Goya succumbed to an ear illness that led to the loss of his sense of hearing. This disease changed his life tremendously, leaving him as an introvert. This situation led him to change his tone of paintings. Due to the mental interruption by the French army in Spain, he switched to address the sequence of events as they happened in Spain (Kim 209).
To express his emotions on brutality and violence, Goya developed companion images revealing the rebellious people against the French orders. Numerous art historians have studied his work. They suggest that he proves to be opposing the act of violence in Spain in his paintings. This idea was witnessed on the second of May, 1808. We observe traces of blood in the painting as well as lying bodies that symbolize the people who lost their lives while protesting against the French inversion of the loyal family in Spain. The appearance and meaning of this art is exceptional in Spain. The paintings appear darker and also violent, thus drawing attention from the earlier fought peninsular wars. Goya’s health is said to have been deteriorating during this period, also fuelling his idea of making the paintings appear darker. He is quoted declaring that the hardships witnessed by the Spanish residents have helped him in acquiring fame as well as personal and insightful considerations from all over the world. The fight appearing in his painting has served a crucial role in avoiding critical concern on the actual subject of the picture. On the other hand, he depicts the efforts that the Spanish people have in protecting their country and the power they employ in rebelling indecent activities in their nation.
From the content of this painting, it can be deduced that issue of colonization is being portrayed. Historically the French leaders are known to have been at the center of establishing political powers in colonizing countries such as Portugal, later leading to the peninsular wars. Francisco Goya shows that the French army could have had an interest in colonizing Spain. They, therefore, plan to attack the Spain loyal family as a way of declaring their supremacy in their plan. The artist is thus interested in demonstrating the power of different kingdoms in various regions of the world. For instance, in Spain, it is evident that the citizens are powerful and ready to defend their administration through protests and rebellions.
The events shown in the picture took place in the early 1800s.This can be deduced from the presence of horses in the painting. Horses were mainly used for transporting the French troops during 1800. Also, the nature of the swords used in the fight suggests that the event happened in ancient times. Also, the nature of the clothes that the Mamelukes are wearing suggests that the event dates back long ago. The French troops are portrayed in blue and red jackets and bottoms. The artist has used these events to demonstrate how the ancient kingdoms exercised powers over others and even led to the death of many innocent lives (Meißner 74).
Question three
In my view, the artist is trying to communicate the aspect of power and colonization. We are presented with two different army troops that fight to establish their power and majesty. Typically, we can evaluate and ascertain the foreigners and also predict their desired wishes in Spain. However, the artist is very keen to establish that the French personnel is using the wrong procedures to achieve the ownership of the Spanish territory. The artist has sought to use darker colors to signify the disappointing events that the painting is portraying to the observer ((Meißner 74). Elements featured in the painting, like the swords and clothing, also suggest a moment of fear and combat from the clashing groups.
In my research, I have come across numerous research materials that support what the author is trying to communicate. A good example is the following event on the third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya. In this research, the artist presents similar paintings that evoke fear and insecurity in the face of the reader. The artist here puts forth the various methods employed by different governments that seek power through forceful inputs on their unfortunate counterparts. The author is trying to enlighten various kingdoms to be vigilant in protecting their territory. His work is educative in the current world as it can lead people on how to protect their belonging with fear and contradiction (Kim 190-240).
Question four
The work of Francisco Goya in the second of May 1808 has merit in the lives of the Spanish people and the whole world at large. The message we get from this piece of art applies in the current world in many different countries. For instance, we have witnessed nations argue on issues concerning boundaries and insecurity from terror groups. Demonstration and protests are being witnessed in many countries in the world today. We can deduce that the work of Goya has acquired much acclaim and also has helped many states to thrive amidst various challenges during their development stages. In my view, the author of the painting in this context accomplished his intent. The Spanish locals and the Mamelukes were able to win back their territory from the French people despite the many numbers of casualties witnessed. This piece of art evokes different thoughts from readers.
For instance, some will feel that the violent acquisition of power is harmful and chaotic. On the other hand, some people understand that it is not easy to give up when fighting for the benefit of themselves and their generations to come (Meißner 74).
This painting is worthy of my recommendation as it is educative and offers sound and conscious regard to a country’s property. It offers credible entertainment as well as reminding people of the nature of past events in the history of different countries. Through this painting, the young generation can get a glimpse of how difficult it was to acquire self-rule in some countries. Images are crucial because they offer a long-lasting memory of the nature of past events. Academically, it can be useful for learners and will help them engage in studying historical perspectives of different states. Also, many people can use it in comparing and contrasting the nature of events today to those that happened long ago.
The direct message that the painting communicates to me is that of leadership. This concept is brought forth by the two opposing troops. The two sides differ with regard to their ideologies. Also, I am privileged to understand that people also participate in securing territory. These individuals are ready to die, saving their belongings. Before this research, I have despicable assumptions regarding the appearance of the painting. I had no idea concerning the life events of the artist and the reason that spurred his idea to develop the painting.
In conclusion, the research that I have carried out has altered my thinking and the sense of perception that I had with the piece of art. Despite the unfortunate illness that hit the artist in this research, he has been crucial in shaping the trend in which different countries relate and interact in the current world. Violence is not the best way to address differences. Demonstrations and protests can be violent and chaotic; hence there is a need for a better and diplomatic method of addressing international issues.
Work Cited
Kim, Junghee. “Old Goya In Black Paintings by Francisco De Goya.” The Journal of Art
Theory and Practice 20 (2015): 190-240.
Meißner, Thomas. “Francisco De Goya.” Heilberufe 68.3 (2016): 74-74.