Riddle of Fear (Disparate de Miedo) by Francisco Goya (Interpretation and Analysis)

Riddle of Fear
Source: Museo del Prado

I’ve written many posts about the work of Francisco Goya on this blog. Goya, who is one of my favorite artists, is well known as a member of the enlightenment movement. His work can often be interpreted as social commentary, highlighting the ills of contemporary Spanish society. However, his work also contains a surreal, fantastical streak that is tinged by darkness.

Riddle of Fear (Disparate de Miedo in Spanish) is a good example of this element of Goya’s catalogue. This enigmatic print is one of the most famous of Goya’s Los Disparates series, which was never published during his lifetime. As a series, Los Disparates, which translates to the Follies, are famously difficult to interpret.

According to my research, art historians traditionally read the follies as interpretations of Spanish proverbs or carnival scenes. However, as art historian Douglas Cushing suggests, I believe it’s not strictly necessary to assign a definitive interpretation to Goya’s follies. Cushing calls them “beyond all reason,” and I agree. As Goya grew older, his work became progressively more imaginative and otherworldly. His Disparates are both unlike anything else in art and also, in some ways, universal. Goya was seemingly unconcerned about conveying any particular message with the Disparates—something that feels very modern—and there is a simplicity about the prints that allows the viewer’s imagination to take over, allowing each person to come to a personal understanding about the significance of the prints. To me, the mysterious nature of the Riddle of Fear is what makes it appealing.

All of that being said, I’m going to offer an interpretation of Riddle of Fear. The focal point of the print is a tall, stooped figured, draped in a black cloak. At its feet, soldiers cower or flee in terror. The figure in black almost certainly represents fear, but, beyond that, it is unclear how the viewer should understand fear. Goya’s piece might be intended as a comment on the overwhelming nature of the emotion, which topples all in its path. One could also read it as a pessimistic view of the world in which the power of fear towers over the courage of brave men.

However, it’s also important to remember that the print comes from the Follies series, which suggests that Goya intended the figure of fear to be seen as hollow and essentially insubstantial. The Prado Museum describes the print as “a disturbing image in which the natural order of things has been undermined. Thus, rather than displaying discipline and valor, these soldiers lie on top of each other on the ground, terrified by a puppet-like figure that is not what it appears to be.”

However you choose to interpret it, Riddle of Fear remains a haunting and powerful image.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.