Document Type
Paper
Abstract
Francisco de Goya and William Blake, who we regard today as two of the greatest artists of the Romantic era, each produced a provocative set of engravings towards the end of his life. Goya's Los Desastres de la Guerra [The Disasters of War] and Blake's Illustrations for the Book of Job are both contemplations on human suffering, specifically unjust suffering, and our response to it. When placed in dialogue with one another, these sets of engravings unearth new dimensions in their interpretation and consequently in our own thinking about suffering. This paper will explore suffering and response through four themes inherent in both the Disasters and Job: oppression of the innocent, the physical body, vengeance, and cyclical oppression. In addition to examining each artist's investigation of these themes, this paper will seek a basis for hope in the sentiments that Goya and Blake develop towards suffering.
Department(s)
Art and Design
Date Accepted/Awarded
3-2015
Award/Distinction
Library Research Prize Honorable Mention
Course
ARH321 The History of Modern Art in 19th-‐20th Century Europe
First Advisor/Reader
Roosa, Wayne
Recommended Citation
Christenson, Chris, "Images of Suffering: An investigation of Francisco Goya's 'Disasters of War' and William Blake's 'Illustrations for the Book of Job'" (2015). Library Research Prize Student Works. 22.
https://spark.bethel.edu/library-research-prize-work/22
Reflection essay on the library research process
Terms of Use and License Information
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