The Black Paintings by Goya (Part One)

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The Museum of Frights

Who said that art only expresses the beauty of the world? Through their works, artists also depict its darker and more mysterious aspects 👿. How about discovering some of the strangest and scariest pieces of art in history? Get ready to delve into the dark and powerful world of Francisco Goya through his iconic painting Saturn Devouring His Son. If cannibalism isn't to your taste, perhaps the unsettling worlds of Dorothea Tanning or Francis Bacon will be enough to give you chills. Welcome to the Museum of Frights! 👻

16:53 By: Great Art Explained

To understand Francisco Goya’s Black Paintings, we need to understand how he went from a popular well-loved royal portrait artist to painting deeply disturbing imagery on the bare walls of his house in total isolation.
In 1819, Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, commonly known as Goya, was a successful and celebrated artist. Then suddenly, he withdrew from public life, left Madrid and the Royal Court behind, and moved into a farmhouse in the countryside.
His wife and most of his friends were dead and he had become isolated. He was 73-years old, sick, and completely deaf. His long life was coming to a close… BUT he wasn’t finished yet. The man who had once painted crucifixions, miracles, saints, and priests, now painted terrifying, demonic, raw and brutal works – works without even a hint of God.

Content produced by: Great Art Explained