Goya: Folly and War
—

Al toro y al aire dar les calle (Make Way For the Bulls and Wind) 2006
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
purchased 1981
Exhibition Details
The dark, mocking visions of Goya: Folly and War question all civilizations' ability to survive the terrors and madness of war. These cryptic, satirical etchings by Spanish artist Francisco Goya (1746-1828) chillingly capture humanity's shortfalls.
During Francisco Goya's lifetime Spain was ruled by three different monarchs. For many years Goya served as Painter to the King, creating portraits of the Royal Family, but after he became deaf in 1792 his work became more introspective. He turned to etchings and aquatints to compile a scorching exposé of the oppression experienced by ordinary people in Spain.
A defining moment in his development as an artist was the Peninsula War (1807-1814), when France turned on its former ally and overran Spain. At first many people welcomed the French, hoping that aristocratic decadence as well as ancient traditions ridden with superstition, religious oppression and fear would be replaced with a fairer social order. This was not to be.
Goya was a man of his time, influenced by the Age of Enlightenment, and yet all too aware of humanity's ability to respond violently to prejudice and corruption rather than using reason to solve society's problems. Because of the chilling, psychological edge to many of Goya's prints he has often been described as the first modern artist. Many of his political and social barbs are still pertinent today.
- Date
- —
- Curated by
- Mary Kisler
- Location
- Level 1
- Cost
- Free entry
Related Artwork
Not on display

El célebre Fernando del Toro, barilarguero, obligando á la fiera con su garrocha...
Not on display

Dos grupos de picadores arrollados de seguida por un solo toro. (Two Teams of Pi...
Not on display

Desjarrete de la canallo con lanzas, medias-lunas, banderillas y otras armas. (T...
Not on display

Un caballero Español en plaza quebrando rejoncillos sin auxilio de los chulos. (...
Not on display
![Ligereza y atrevimiento de Juanito Apiñan: en la de Madrid. (The Agility and Audacity of Juanito Apiñani in [the Ring] at Madrid).](https://artgallery-collection.cdn.aucklandunlimited.com/records/images/large/11178/b065dccab5649bd6fed91c29f47ba5ddf51bd464.jpg)
Ligereza y atrevimiento de Juanito Apiñan: en la de Madrid. (The Agility and Aud...
Not on display

Al toro y al aire dar les calle (Make Way for the Bulls and Wind). (Make Way For...
Not on display
