The Third Of May 1808 Essay
Description: The Third of May 1808 is a painting originated by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. The painting displays an execution of masses of Spanish countrymen by French soldiers. There are 8 visual soldiers, with their faces turned away from the viewer, aiming guns at a group of Spanish countrymen extremely close. There is a central figure Spanish man with his arms stretched out, on his knees. He is wearing a white shirt and yellow mustard pants. The central figure is surrounded by about 7 men. Some of the men cover their eyes, others are in prayer, while at least one covers his ears. In front of this group of men being executed lies a pile of dead bodies. There are at least 3 men dead , covered in blood that flows into the front
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The colors which the artist has chosen are earth tones, and there is a strong overall contrast of dark and light. This dramatic lighting technique can be seen in the man in the center with his arms stretched out, the focal point. The implied lines of the gun leads the viewer’s eye to the focal point. His outstretched arms form a "V" line. This line is also displayed in the collar and pants of the man. There is also an angular or "V" line formed by the lantern that illuminates the scene. There is a line in the sand that distinguishes the "good, or noble" Spanish countrymen from the harsher, harder forms of the French soldiers in the shadows. The shapes of the French soldiers are highly contoured and turned away from the viewer. We do not know what they look like. In contrast we see the faces of the Spanish countrymen, we see their fear, pain, defiance, and belief. Texturally, the Spanish countrymen are softer. The artist has created looser brushstrokes and a duller surface. This in contrast to the shiner surface of the soldier. Spatially, the viewer is outside looking in. The light and dark contrast of the line in the sand separates the two groups spatially.
Interpretation: As I observe this painting, I am empathetic along with the Spanish countrymen. The man in the middle seems to be a Christ-like figure. It reads to me as if he is interrogating the soldiers, "Why are you doing this to us?" He
The colors which the artist has chosen are earth tones, and there is a strong overall contrast of dark and light. This dramatic lighting technique can be seen in the man in the center with his arms stretched out, the focal point. The implied lines of the gun leads the viewer’s eye to the focal point. His outstretched arms form a "V" line. This line is also displayed in the collar and pants of the man. There is also an angular or "V" line formed by the lantern that illuminates the scene. There is a line in the sand that distinguishes the "good, or noble" Spanish countrymen from the harsher, harder forms of the French soldiers in the shadows. The shapes of the French soldiers are highly contoured and turned away from the viewer. We do not know what they look like. In contrast we see the faces of the Spanish countrymen, we see their fear, pain, defiance, and belief. Texturally, the Spanish countrymen are softer. The artist has created looser brushstrokes and a duller surface. This in contrast to the shiner surface of the soldier. Spatially, the viewer is outside looking in. The light and dark contrast of the line in the sand separates the two groups spatially.
Interpretation: As I observe this painting, I am empathetic along with the Spanish countrymen. The man in the middle seems to be a Christ-like figure. It reads to me as if he is interrogating the soldiers, "Why are you doing this to us?" He