Third of May, 1808 by Francisco Goya (Interpretation and Analysis)
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| Third of May, 1808 Source: Museo del Prado |
As you might imagine, the painting commemorates the events of May 3, 1808, a rather infamous day in the history of the Peninsular War. After the French—led by Napoleon Bonaparte—seized control of the Spanish government, many Spaniards rose in rebellion against their new French king. This uprising (the subject of another Goya painting) took place on May second. By May third, the uprising had been quashed and the rebels were being executed.
Goya’s painting depicts these Spanish freedom fighters facing the firing squad. The central figure is a young man in a white shirt. He stands with his arms outstretched as he waits for his death. Art historians often compare this figure to depictions of Christ, noting that Goya uses traditional religious imagery to liken this man’s sacrifice for his nation to Christ’s death on the cross. It is a clever compositional choice, adding emotional impact and visual drama to the piece.
To the left of this central figure, a heap of corpses looms, foreshadowing the fate of this Spanish patriot. To his right, a line of political prisoners await execution, exhibiting a range of despairing expressions. The French executioners, on the other hand, are shown behind, rendering them faceless automatons bent on accomplishing the will of a tyrannical government. This choice dehumanizes the French in much the same way they dehumanize the men they are executing, creating a narrative circle that highlights senseless waste of life occasioned by war.
In examining this painting, I think it is also necessary to talk about the political implications of this piece and how art can shape politics. Although it is fairly clear that Goya abhorred the senseless violence of war, he was sympathetic to the French when they came to power in Spain. Goya’s own ideas aligned with the core principles of the French Revolution, and Goya himself found some degree of favor within the French court in Spain. After the French were expelled, it became necessary for him to prove his loyalty to Spain and the Spanish crown. Second of May, 1808 and Third of May, 1808 became very dramatic and ostentatious ways to prove his patriotism. These images can also be seen as a negative PR campaign against the French, highlighting the brutality of Napoleon's army in contrast with the deeply felt patriotism of the Spaniards who are facing the firing squad in the name of their country.
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.
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