OK I tried to find the most "respected" / "praised" painting of Francisco de Goya, based on the opinion of art scholars. After reading a few articles, it seems to be this one -
The Third of May, 1808: The Execution of the Defenders of Madrid
This is considered very groundbreaking, and is based on the real Spanish resistance of Napoleon's armies.
http://www.art.com/asp/sp-asp/_/PD--1297...ted_in_1814.htmWhen I look at this I see the rigid formality and "unstoppability" of the French forces on the right - compared with the rag-tag, desperate hope of the locals on the left. Sort of like the Empire and the Rebels of Star Wars
The guys on the left know they have lost - but yet they stand up, facing the soldiers, sort of saying "our cause will triumph in the end!"
The man in white seems very Christ-like to me, with his white clothes and outstretched arms. He seems to say "I am willing to sacrifice myself, for I believe in my cause".
Also you can see the faces and humanity of the rebels - but the soldiers are all faceless. You just see their guns.
How do you guys feel about this painting?
