Artistic analysis

Goya depicts a convict executed by the “garrote vil”, one of the capital punishment methods of his time. The figure appears isolated, facing forward, and without any narrative context, which intensifies the rawness and drama of the scene. The lack of idealization turns the image into a direct reflection on violence and justice. Rather than describing a specific event, Goya transforms the execution into a universal denunciation of human brutality.

Technical information

NIG

2993


Author

Francisco de Goya


Title

The Garroted Man


Date

1778 - 1785


Technique and medium

Etching


Dimensions

57 x 38 cm


Where can it be found?

Floor 2


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