On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00748
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Spanish)
- Title
- The 2nd of May 1808 in Madrid: the charge of the Mamelukes
- Chronology
- 1814
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 268 cm x 347 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCIONREAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
In 1814, Goya addressed the
reagent, Cardinal Luis de Bourbon,
offering to make works
commemorating events from the War
of Independence (1808-1812): “…to
perpetuate, with a paintbrush, the
most notable and heroic actions or
scenes of our glorious uprising
against the tyrant of Europe.” The
present work depicts the popular
riot of 2 May, 1808, when the
people of Madrid attacked the
Mamelukes —Turkish soliders in
Napolean's French Army— who were
taking the younger children of
Carlos IV and Maria Luisa to
France. This was the beginning of
the War for Independence.
Along with The 3d of May 1808 in
Madrid_ the executions on Príncipe
Pio Hill (P749), this work may have
decorated a triumphal arch that
adorned the streets of Madrid
during the entry of Fernando VII.
It may also have been used during
the celebration commemorating the
second of May.
The left side still bears the marks
of the damage this canvas suffered
in 1937 when the Museum's
collection was being transferred to
the League of Nations in Geneva
during the Civil War.
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