Saturn devouring one of his children

Date: 1823
Medium: oil on canvas
Location: Prado, Madrid, Spain
Dimensions: 146 x 83

"Saturn devouring one of his children" (Spanish "Saturno devorando a su hijo") is an oil painting by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. This painting was part of his series of black paintings (Pinturas negras) and was created around 1819-1823. This series was created on the walls of Goya's household and was discovered and transferred to canvas after the artist's death. The painting "Saturn Devouring One of His Children" is known for its dark and terrifying subject matter. In the center of the picture is the figure of Saturn (Saturn), the Roman god of agriculture, who here, however, represents a deformed and menacing titan. Saturn holds in his hands a small child, one of his offspring, whom he has just devoured. His teeth and arms are bloody in a horrifying way, creating a strong impression of cruelty. The painting is dark and full of shadows, which adds to its chilling atmosphere. The light is limited and focused on Saturn and his terrible deed. Fury and madness are expressed in Saturn's face of the horrific act. His eyes are wide open and horrified, giving the impression of obsession. This image has been interpreted in various ways. Some see Saturn as a symbol of power that destroys its own offspring, while others see it as an allegory of human malice, cruelty, and destruction.

Goya painted picture Saturn devouring one of his children in 1823. Prevailing color of this fine art print is dark and its shape is portrait. Original size is 146 x 83. This art piece is located in Prado, Madrid, Spain. This image is printed on demand - you can choose material, size and finishing.

Francisco de Goya (1746-1828). Born in Spain, the son of a goldsmith. His work is characterized by loose brush strokes, an unprecedented release from the obligation to draw exactly according to reality. His works are among the precursors of many future artistic directions (Realism, Romanticism, Impressionism, Expressionism, and Surrealism). He became the court painter to Charles IV and a member of the Academy. Among Goya’s most famous works are the cycle Disasters of War (eg. The Third of May 1808, a picture painted during the Spanish revolution against France, in which Goya utilises his typical brush strokes and plays with light, clearly showing on which side he stands) and portraits Clothed Maja and Naked Maja. The nude was, for the time, sensual, natural, and without unnecessary decorations (flowers, nature, silk). It is no coincidence that, for this painting, Goya was prosecuted by the Inquisition.