The Art of Witnessing: Francisco de Goya's Disasters of War

Francisco de Goya's The Disasters of War is a renowned print series that explores the violence of war and its artistic representation. Michael Iarocci's book, The Art of Witnessing, challenges the notion that documentary realism and historical testimony were Goya's primary aims, highlighting the artist's complex moral and aesthetic meditations on the subject. It contributes to debates about historical memory, testimony, and the representation of violence and tells a new story of Goya's masterpiece.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Francisco de Goya's renowned print series, The Disasters of War, is widely recognized as a pivotal moment in the history of visual representations of war. This series remains a cornerstone for profound exploration of the violence inherent in warfare and the ethical dilemmas raised by its artistic portrayal. In his book, The Art of Witnessing, Michael Iarocci offers a fresh perspective on Goya's print series, delving into the forty-seven prints that he dedicated to depicting the horrors of war. By examining various aspects of Goya's artistry that have often been overlooked in conjunction, the book challenges the notion that documentary realism and historical testimony were his primary objectives.

Iarocci argues that while the depiction of war atrocities was central to Goya's project, the enduring significance of the print series lies in the artist's profound moral and aesthetic reflections on the subject. Through a meticulous examination of each print, The Art of Witnessing sheds light on the ways in which Goya's masterpiece transcends conventional understandings of visual testimony.

The book makes novel contributions to ongoing debates about historical memory, testimony, and the representation of violence. It tells a new story, print by print, to highlight the ways in which Goya's masterpiece extends far beyond the boundaries of traditional visual evidence. By delving into the complexities of Goya's artistic vision and the moral dilemmas he confronted, The Art of Witnessing offers a deeper understanding of the power of art to witness and commemorate the horrors of war.

In conclusion, Francisco de Goya's The Disasters of War remains a powerful and enduring testament to the human cost of conflict. Through the lens of Michael Iarocci's The Art of Witnessing, we gain a fresh perspective on this iconic print series, exploring its moral and artistic dimensions and its profound impact on our understanding of war and its aftermath.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487545277