On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00749
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de
- Title
- The 3rd of May 1808 in Madrid: the executions on Principe Pio hill
- Chronology
- 1814
- Technique
- Oil
- Support
- Canvas
- Measures
- 268 cm x 347 cm
- School
- Spanish
- Theme
- History. War of Independence
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- RoyalCollection
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
A depiction of the execution of
patriots from Madrid by a firing
squad from Napoleon’s army in
reprisal for their uprising against
the French occupation on the second
of May, 1808.
The French soldiers are at the
right of the composition, with
their backs to the viewer. They aim
their rifles at the Madrilenes who
are to die. The scene’s drama and
tension are emphasized by the use
of light, which strongly
illuminates the heroes, making it
possible to distinguish their
characters and attitudes in a
detailed psychological character
study.
Along with its companion, The 2nd
of May 1808 in Madrid: the charge
of the Mamelukes (P748), this work
was made at the initiative of the
Reagent, Luis de Boubon in 1814.
Both works may have been used to
decorate a triumphal arch during
the return of Fernando VII to
Madrid, or to commemorate the
celebrations of the second of
May.
The lower left side still shows the
marks of damage suffered when this
canvas was transferred to Valencia
in 1937 during the Spanish Civil
War.
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