Francisco Goya's work can often be interpreted as social commentary, highlighting the ills of contemporary Spanish society. However, his work also contains a surreal, fantastical streak that is tinged by darkness. "Riddle of Fear" (Disparate de Miedo in Spanish) is a good example. This enigmatic print is one of the most famous of Goya’s Los Disparates series. "Riddle of Fear" has been interpreted as a tall, stooped figured, draped in a black cloak. At its feet, soldiers cower or flee in terror. The figure in black almost certainly represents fear, but, beyond that, it is unclear how the viewer should understand fear. Goya’s piece might be intended as a comment on the overwhelming nature of the emotion, which topples all in its path. One could also read it as a pessimistic view of the world in which the power of fear towers over the courage of brave men. The Prado Museum describes the print as “a disturbing image in which the natural order of things has been undermined. Thus, rather than displaying discipline and valor, these soldiers lie on top of each other on the ground, terrified by a puppet-like figure that is not what it appears to be.”
Originally published at https://artisthesolution.blogspot.com on 13 February 2020.
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