
Goya in Reflection: The Disasters of War
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (Spanish, 1746-1828) was among the artists tasked by General Palafox with documenting the ruins of monuments in cities occupied during the Napoleonic invasion of Spain. Yet, rather than recording the cities’ devastation, Goya created The Disasters of War, a series that he chose not to publish during his lifetime. Rejecting traditional representations of warfare that celebrate victors and heroes, the series exposes the brutal violence endured by civilians and soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Goya’s compositions have resonated far beyond their historical moment, and have become a universal condemnation of war. Curated by Zoe Morales Martinez (’21), this exhibition explores Goya as a pioneer of protest art and the legacy of his work, which continues to echo more than two centuries later.
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (español, 1746-1828) fue uno de los artistas encargados por el general Palafox de documentar las ruinas de los monumentos en las ciudades ocupadas durante la invasión napoleónica de España. Sin embargo, en lugar de registrar la devastación de las ciudades, Goya creó "Los desastres de la guerra", una serie que decidió no publicar durante su vida. Rechazando las representaciones tradicionales de la guerra que celebran a vencedores y héroes, la serie expone la brutal violencia que sufrieron civiles y soldados de ambos bandos del conflicto. Las composiciones de Goya han resonado mucho más allá de su momento histórico y se han convertido en una condena universal de la guerra. Con el trabajo curatorial hecho por Zoe Morales Martínez (‘21), esta exposición explora a Goya como pionero del arte de protesta y el legado de su obra, que sigue haciendo ecos más de dos siglos después.
On View
March 24 - May 29, 2026
Gallery Hours
Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location
Hoehn Family Galleries, Founders Hall
Galleries are closed for university holidays
Related Events
Reception:
Thursday April 23
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
COVID-19 Safety Measures
The University continues to update its COVID-19 guidelines as needed. Please check the Onward USD website prior to your visit for current face covering and vaccination protocols.
