The Black Paintings by Goya (Part One): Great Art Explained

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To understand Francisco Goya's Black Paintings, we need to understand how he went from a popular well-loved royal portrait artist to painting deeply disturbing imagery on the bare walls of his house in total isolation.
In 1819, Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, commonly known as Goya, was a successful and celebrated artist. Then suddenly, he withdrew from public life, left Madrid and the Royal Court behind, and moved into a farmhouse in the countryside.
His wife and most of his friends were dead and he had become isolated. He was 73-years old, sick, and completely deaf. His long life was coming to a close… BUT he wasn’t finished yet. The man who had once painted crucifixions, miracles, saints, and priests, now painted terrifying, demonic, raw and brutal works - works without even a hint of God.
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I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Alan Stewart, Alexander Velser, Christa Sawyer, Erique K, Griffin Evans, Jennifer Barnaby, Julio Cardenas, Karim Hopper, Nicholas Siebenlist, Pavel Juszczyk, Theresa Garfink, Toni Ko, and Tyler Wittreich.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020
CREDITS
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at [e-mail]
Spanish Subtitles by Tomas Iriarte
French Subtitles by Ludivine Desriac
Chinese Subtitles by Charles Xiu
Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
Special thanks to Drone Footage (Madrid aerial shot) - a brilliant KZbin channel (please subscribe) that allowed me to use some of their beautiful footage - kzbin.info/door/KoK...
Special thanks to Goldmark Gallery for allowing me to use a clip from this video - • Incredible Goya Disast...
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
FILM CLIPS
Napoleon Footage Ⓒ Gaumont Films
Reign of Terror Ⓒ Eagle-Lion Films
BOOKS
Goya: A Portrait of the Artist by Tomlinson and Janis
Goya by Rainer & Rose-Marie Hagen
Goya by Robert Hughes
Goya`s Graphic Imagination by Mark Mcdonald, Mercedes Cerón-peña, et al.
MUSIC
Asturias by Isaac Albéniz
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please like and comment. It really helps promote the channel. Many thanks, James

[@Easyn_]

Comment

[@Rapha_Carpio]

😊

[@handenazozkal7237]

thank you for the vıdeo. please do Albrecht Dürer - Melencolia I too one day, ıf you're ınterested.. keep up the great work.

[@rainnyme]

I'm a patreon, but I still watch public videos so you can get the ad rev and view stats up (:

[@GreatArtExplained]

@@rainnyme thanks so much for all your support!

[@thuhuong8838]

The editing, the attention to details, my man doing god work by doing the whole black paintings collection. The black painting was such a stepping stone for art history. What happened when you stripped an artist bare of status, standard, wealth and just left him with darkness and isolation. Well, he created monsters

[@nandokart2830]

The monsters already existed, he put them in canvass.

[@jacksonvanmatre]

These works have always scared me down to my soul. I've always thought it would be interesting to make a series of horror films based on each painting.

[@Toetbeornottoetdbe]

Few paintings have actually caused an emotional response in me, but Goya’s work and especially the black paintings certainly did.

[@jacksonvanmatre]

@@Toetbeornottoetdbe The dog one scares me the most. It's so haunting and tragic.

[@startrooper3502]

Attack of Titan anime have taken inspiration from Goya

[@hoenn4ever829]

@@startrooper3502 From the painting Saturn Devouring his Son, I'm guessing? I didn't know that, to be honest, although I do notice the inspiration if it really was inspired by it. Then again, did Isayama ever confirm that, though?

[@sunflowerlove60]

I just started scrolling to get away from the image that’s how powerful they are!

[@javierplumedsantos7620]

Thank you so much for this video. As a Spaniard, I've always thought of Goya as underappreciated in the international panorama. So I am really excited to finally see him get the recognition he deserves

[@GreatArtExplained]

Gracias 🙏

[@snooze6650]

El tres de mayo de 1808 is one of the most significant/moving paintings ever to me. Goya has always been treasured in my art classes in California. Much love

[@epbarrera]

Sólo por curiosidad, en España ustedes se llaman “Spaniards” en inglés en lugar de “Spanish”? Gracias!

[@guillermo907]

@@epbarrera" spanish" para referirse a los españoles esta mal dicho. "Spanish" se utiliza como un adjectivo, "Spanish people" o "I am spanish"

[@epbarrera]

@@guillermo907 Gracias. Tenía entendido que era correcto el gentilicio “Spanish”

[@varunv565]

I hope you know the impact you have on most of us, those who never studied art, but have learned a great appreciation of it through these videos.

[@michaeld1889]

Your channel is like a master class on art. Thank you so much. Please keep up the great work.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@blondebimbowannabe]

I clicked as soon as I got the notification. I love each and every video covering Goya's black paintings! Thank you for covering this

[@midasvandijk9498]

Any more recommendations? (:

[@rickywhittaker4978]

@@midasvandijk9498look it up

[@paulstokes677]

I went to the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid in September 2019. Which seems like a lifetime ago now. I went to see The Black Painting by Goya they were absolutely mind-bending to look at in real life, the thickness of the brush strokes and darkness of each painting. I honestly think that some people left that room in pure horror!

[@alejandroojeda1572]

Honestly you can't convince me people can look at Saturn devouring his son and NOT be terrified

[@rosiem.532]

I love this channel so much it's so good how everything is so nice and clear and yet includes all the little details. I was hoping Goya would be covered at some point, so my day has absolutely been made by this video. Can't wait for part 2!!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks

[@isacj81]

My Lord... This channel is so underrated! Your videos have added so much richness to my life and how I view the world. Being a patron is the least I can do to retribute. Thank you, James!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much for your continued support Isac 🙏

[@zairazaira_]

the quality of your videos is always unmatched

[@DenisMark1]

As someone who loves videos on art and artists, no one does this better than you. Your hard work and attention to tone, sequence and how much information to provide your viewer is so good that it can be taken for granted. Here in the States we are so accustomed to the Ken Burns approach (which has its place) that to see something WITHOUT talking heads or self-indulgent tangents is not only a breath of fresh air, but so appreciated. Know that there are many of us who appreciate the hours of editing and perfecting these gems and look forward to every one. I never know what you will tackle next but usually my response is "yes!" before clicking and watching. In a word: Bravo.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the lovely comment!

[@lauraparker108]

I wish you had thousands of videos on important art. I devour each one you put out. They are masterfully done and really help me understand the time period, the significance of the pieces and artists, and the art itself. Bravo on another wonderful video!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh thanks 🙏

[@endodouble6691]

You are a legend for using Asturias to accompany the video. And for pretty much everything else you do 😂

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much!

[@curiousworld7912]

Thank you, for giving us this. I remember seeing Goya's work, decades ago while in Spain, and being very moved by his paintings. Sadly, they're just as timely now, as then.

[@UnKnown-bu3hw]

Insanity has a nice touch especially with the touch of suffering and severe ptsd. The man was talented and spoke his truth figured out the horrific truth of reality

[@SarastistheSerpent]

This was fantastic. I cannot wait for you to explain Saturn Devouring His Son in depth in part 2. That’s one of my favourite works of art of all time

[@ettajfan5882]

Another stellar explanation of a great artist and his art. Thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching!

[@TechWithSean]

Great video! Goya’s works were my favorite out of everything I saw at Museo del Prado. The dichotomy of his periods is really something, he was able to capture both the light and dark sides of humanity, and even though his style wasn’t photorealistic, his works have a tangible, natural quality to them.

[@lgeray1]

Makes me sad and angry that despite all of mankind's knowledge and experience throughout history, religions and totalitarian systems still are in much too much power in much too many places in the world today. Goya must have been a very clear-sighted and empathic human being. Thank you for making his and the work of all those other artists known and accessible to us viewers. I greatly appreciate your excellent videos, and after each one I'm waiting impatiently for the next one to be published. Always time well spent.

[@cathalfeeney3929]

Superb work James. Really outstanding. Thank you.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks Cathal, for your continued support!

[@WillLiang]

This is seriously one of the best channels on KZbin. From now on, I will make any excuse to mention this channel to friends.

[@kylesmitheram5338]

Was just thinking about this channel this morning and wondering when the next video would be, and here it is. The meme of Saturn Devouring His Son kind of swept through the internet not long ago, and it's striking, but man, those etchings, especially the Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters is so good, and the message still incredibly relevant.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@FlippingPhysics]

Loved this video. Shared it with my family, everybody enjoyed it, even my teenage daughter, which is saying much. You do a really good job of explaining the art with a historical context that makes it relatable. I love the beginning where you spend an uncomfortable amount of time zooming in on "Saturn Devouring His Son". It was a perfect beginning. Thanks so much!!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for your support

[@jaska9796]

The amount of joy I have while watching these videos is unexplainable

[@gregorycheverall1830]

❤

[@Lunch_Meat]

I am so glad you decided to cover these paintings in your videos. These paintings get to me in the same way that Turners final paintings get to me and the same way that warren zevon's and gil Scott heron's last albums get to me. It's total contemplation of not just "the end" but the totality of life lead up to that end. Those things most on their minds, the way they see and relate to life, and how they are dealing with death. I use to work as a janitor/custodian in hospitals, mental institutions, and hospice and it always amazes me how art and music was a person's way of exploring their own thoughts and feelings on things beyond what they could communicate with words. There is so much to unpack in these paintings and you are doing an amazing job of it.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great comment - thanks 🙏

[@dancountyfc]

Congrats on smashing 1 million! This channel is still so underrated

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks- still can’t believe it!

[@86zerueldososo64]

Another amazing video from one of the best channels on KZbin. Keep up the great work.

[@DB09198523]

The opening sequence gives me goosebumps everytime I watch this.

[@jethrotertiusthethird2439]

Thank you so much for these extremely high quality videos. The editing and research that goes into them is not unnoticed! Please continue making them!

[@adrianbourceanu9145]

My birthday is coming soon, and this is one of the best presents I could have asked for: a careful examination of Goya's work by one of the best channels on youtube! I have nothing but respect for the artist, and I cannot wait for part 2!

[@raoultecala9957]

All ur vids are wonderful but this one takes it to another level. Cant wait for part II!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the lovely comment 🙏

[@danielschick7875]

Been looking forward to another Episode. Really appreciate the work you do !

[@ExistentialistDasein]

One of the most significant (philosophical) messages behind The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters hinges on the double-meaning of "sueño" in Spanish! I'm surprised it is not mentioned in this video. In any case, thank you for your wonderful videos:)!

[@waterglas21]

Great video, as a spaniard I think you did a good job telling Goya's history. Can wait for the second part. •9:24 I always take that capricho in a different way. In spanish "sueño" can be interpreted as dream not only sleep. So that way is more like "the dreaming of reason produces monsters". For me it means that there is also a dark side to the enlightenment movement, for example the dark ending of the French Revolution which dreams of perfect reason ended with violence.

[@fukinsei]

to add, the monsters that reason produces are born from the dream of itself. Goya always combined classical beauty with the paranoia of silence. Number 43 is an aesthetic oxymoron. love your videos!

[@sharonlmiller]

I l.o.v.e how art and history are brought together in your videos!

[@mspacephal3925]

My friend your videos are absolutely fantastic, and this one especially. I love Goya and was in Madrid a few days back and had the chance to see this marvellous paintings. Looking forward to watching the second part!! Thank you! ❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@valabakhtiarzadeh9639]

Meticulous, breath taking, and absolutely enjoyable to watch! Love your channel and have massive respect for the effort you're putting into this platform in order to educate and raise awareness about great art. Do not ever stop!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the lovely comment 🙏

[@valabakhtiarzadeh9639]

@@GreatArtExplained thank YOU sir🙏

[@DavidS-dw1wv]

Can’t wait for part two!

[@alechall7082]

This has become one of my favorite channels, I really look foward to these. Quality stuff, keep it up.

[@genesseecarini8882]

This channel is one if my favorites. It has nurtured a deeper curiosity and appreciation for art and artists. It has also inspired my own creativity. Thank you so much!

[@meenakshideshpande3576]

The way every art piece is explained and viewed, analysed is just amazing. You are really doing such an awesome job of explaining the Great Art. I am 10000% sure, that those who watch these videos, must have gotten a new view of looking at Art. Thank you sooo soooo much Sir. :)))

[@rickb3078]

This is an incredible documentary. I have learned so much. Together with Picasso provides a wealth of context for their art and the world they lived in.

[@gregorycheverall1830]

Fascinating! Thank you

[@goschka25]

Fascinating video! Thanks for your great job! Many thanks.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@perspicaciouscritic]

One million subscribers! Well, that didn't take long. Congratulations and truly well deserved.

[@welldonewit5129]

It's really telling how drastically his work changed.

[@jacquelinegibson7420]

It's so interesting to hear how these paintings fit into history.

[@johntaggart2014]

Yay was waiting for this one. Wonderful stuff.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@Keldorek]

This felt like the most staggeringly powerful one you've done yet. Stunning video and channel. Thanks for the efforts and the insights.

[@v0nman]

My favorite series of paintings, love your work and I'm so happy you are able to keep producing it.

[@rtk3543]

Great video on a great artist and humanist, Goya is one of my favourite artists. Thank you for telling his story.

[@jackwalter5030]

My knowledge of Goya has now been increased tremendously. I look forward to Part Two.

[@akcnerico]

The only thing I don't like about your videos is that they actually end. Thank you, and please don't ever stop 😊

[@Misspol222]

Stellar content, as always! Late Goya looks astonishingly like 20th century art to me. His art is just so strikingly modern. A true visionary. I've had the pleasure of seeing the black paintings in Prado a few years back and I was fascinated. Thank you for covering them!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Its what first struck me about him - they are so modern!

[@shad3465]

I saw his paintings at El Museo Prado in Madrid back in 1996. That tour changed my view on art forever. Goya, Velazques, El Greco gave me such appreciation for real art.

[@discotetka162]

i really admire all the work put in this channel!

[@MerTheMan]

I’ve been waiting for this one for a extremely long time your my favorite art channel thank you for the video

[@jakobwarmare5333]

My favourite series of paintings in the world! Amazing video as well!

[@alyssa01825]

saw these in person this past year. they really stuck with me.

[@mexicanpumpkin]

What a great art class! Thanks also for the subtitles for us who don’t master English

[@101Linkisawesome]

Mindblowing stuff. I love the sound effects and the levels have been so GOOD

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@teddysterriertales]

YAY!!! A new one! These videos are genuinely so amazing. The amount of information and effort is massive!

[@damianmiranda2985]

Goya's art did not undergo an "unexpected revolution from dark to light", many of his earlier paintings have dark and disturbing undertones, he just became less subtle about it as he became more jaded.

[@SM-fz3et]

So incredibly excited for part 2

[@Katrina.for_art]

I love learning history through the artists at that time. It makes it more real, makes more sense. Thx for sharing.

[@glytterboi9416]

Thanks a lot for the video, it's just as insighful and interesting as the others published by you. Probably one of my favourite channels on YT

[@judgeholden9942]

Can’t wait for the next in this series, Goya had such an Interesting life, long time favorite artist

[@getvivekshinde]

Wonderful series about Art. Please keep it going. I'm enjoying it very much and learning a lot!

[@De4dPoo1]

Im a engineer and my whole life was about numbers and coding since i can remember. But i saw this video today and my god. This made me feel alive for the first time in many many years. Thank you, this video was something else.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the comment- made my day! 🙏

[@narizota]

Everytime a great art explained video drops i run to watch it he always slays

[@carolinaroveroni8101]

Hi, I'm Brazilian, and a few days ago I saw some of the Caprices in a exposition in partnership with a museum in Vienna, and I saw The Dream of Reason Produces Monsters right in front of me, and I immediately remembered your video, it was really nice to be able to explain the context to the people around me.

[@eddardstark5034]

YAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSS!!!!! I'VE BEEN WAITING SO LONG FOR THIS EPISODE!!!!

[@jasminemccullough9230]

I look forward to any video you put out ❤ I’m thankful for your channel

[@Charleston90110]

Finally! Great way to end my night!

[@ulicirebeca4038]

Incredible research!! This video was so well put together, thank-you so much. Oh how I wish your videos were at least an hour long! I share them with family and friends and they all love them!

[@ioannal5042]

I wish you would post more often 💕 I’ve watched all the videos on your channel & i love how you explain all of the great artists & artworks

[@TheOptikin]

I recall requesting a Goya video from you quite awhile ago and I’m so happy that this is the path you have chosen to explore him. Excellent video!!! Anxiously awaiting the next installment

[@GabrielGarcia-cs2gv]

Excellent video. I found the context in which these impressive pieces were painted enlightening. I’m looking forward to part 2!

[@victoriamovchan8470]

I really appreciate that you use your voice to cover difficult topics like war. And yes, today Goya is as relevant as ever

[@jamiller9044]

This has to be one of your most invigorating, well-informed, and harrowing reviews yet. I was engrossed the whole time. Thank you for these videos!!! I can't wait for the next one! (Btw... I bought one of your shirts. I wear it proudly! 😎)

[@alijamshidi8410]

Such a well made video and professionally scripted. I wasn't an art person but watching these series makes me truly appreciate the depth of each artist and their works. Well done for bringing culture to the internet.

[@Swampratatta]

Just what I needed!

[@davidkent2804]

Have to say, these scholarly introductions and images are profound. Much appreciated

[@timebird78]

This channel is such a diamond!

[@jr4isawsome]

Another brilliant video James, keep it up!

[@monicab8400]

Incredible! Very informative. I’ve always found De Goya’s work both captivating and haunting

[@whyamilikethis1998]

I was so excited to see this notification come up- I was working in the library, and couldn't wait to get home so I could watch! My excitement was not misplaced - thank you for another fantastic video! Can't wait for part 2.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching

[@NikunjBhartiaLP]

Can't get enough of your videos! Simply the best art content on KZbin

[@27limes]

This is fascinating, can't wait for part two! I love the way you put these videos together

[@feildpres]

Another fantastic video! One of the best Channels on youtube, I always love to see a new video

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@biancabalan4263]

I visited Prado almost a year ago and these paintings were a standout among many masterpieces! Your videos make me love art more every time.

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Looking forward to part two!

[@alexturtwig5029]

Already one of your classic episodes the black paintings are my favorite

[@TheKate2212]

I can't wait for part 2! Your channel is my favorite on youtube! I love your format!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@nicholasfrundt4125]

I'm so glad you chose to cover these pieces! Thanks for making such informative videos.

[@danag812]

Very interesting. Absolutely top notch video as usual. Thank you so much❤

[@YulianaChiPhotography]

Your videos are always such a treat! Thank you so much for all your time and effort which you put into your work.

[@Dashingdiva73]

I'm watching this while on my treadmill. But I have to stop. Goya has always been one of my favorite artists. I remember when my mother went to the Norton Simon, she brought back an art book of goya's paintings. The third of May was a painting I stared at endlessly in my youth. When I was in high school we studied an art history. And as an opera singer who had the opportunity to sing Fidelio, I always referenced that painting when I studied that music that Beethoven wrote about the Spanish prisoners. The central figure, the christ-like figure, always reminded me of Florestan. Watching your narrative on that painting moved me to tears. I echoed every word that you said which helped me to realize that I too understood the pain and the suffering and the drama that occurred in that painting. Thank you for this video it just reinforced my thoughts on Humanity, my thoughts on pain and suffering that Goya expertly created for us as a record of what he went through in his life. This was an amazing video.

[@shanecadden7914]

Oh, that zoom in on the eyes gave me chills