Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes Libri

The strikingly original characterizations and sharply drawn scenes that came to be known posthumously as Los Desastres de la Guerra (The Disasters of War) are among Francisco Goya's most powerful works and one of the masterpieces of Western civilization. Goya's model for his visual indictment of war and its horrors was the Spanish insurrection of 1808 and the resulting Peninsular War with Napoleonic France. The bloody conflict and the horrible famine of Madrid were witnessed by Goya himself, or were revealed to him from the accounts of friends and contemporaries. From 1810 to 1820, he worked to immortalize them in a series of etchings.The artist himself never saw the results. The etchings were not published until 1863, some 35 years after his death. By then, the passions of the Napoleonic era had subsided and the satirical implications in Goya's work were less likely to offend. The Dover edition reproduces in its original size the second state of this first edition, which contained 80 prints. Three additional prints not in the 1863 edition are also included here, making this the most complete collection possible of the etchings Goya intended for this series. The bitter, biting captions are reprinted, along with the new English translations, as are the original title page and preface.

This exhibition presents an extensive collection of Goya's artwork, featuring key pieces from private collections that have never been displayed before. Co-produced with the Fondation Beyeler, it offers a rare opportunity to explore the depth of Goya's influence and creativity, showcasing his masterpieces outside of Spain.

Culturally significant and historically important, this work offers a faithful reproduction of the original artifact, preserving its integrity. Readers will encounter original copyright references and library stamps, reflecting its journey through prominent libraries worldwide. This dedication to authenticity provides insight into the knowledge base that has shaped civilization.

1970. Paperback Edition. 39 pages. Illustrated paper cover. Contains colour and black and white illustrations. Clean pages and illustrations with light tanning and mild foxing throughout.Pencil markings to half title page. Binding remains firm. Paper covers have mild edge-wear with slight rubbing to surfaces and curling to corners. Lettering is bright and clear. Moderate sunning to spine and edges with crushing to spine ends. Visible wear marks to boards.

This book is part of the Phaidon Colour Library Series, a series of introductory books on the great masters and movements in art. Each volume contains an extensive essay and 48 full-page color plates of the most significant works in the movement or by the artist, accompanied by extensive notes and comparative illustrations. Books in the series are highly regarded for their insight and authority, and deliver a concise and palatable overview of the subject or artist at hand. Books from the Colour Library are perfect sourcebooks for art students seeking to brush-up their knowledge, or museum-goers looking to supplement an afternoon trip.