Goya’s “The Disasters of War” Exhibition at Castello Scaligero

Francisco Goya at the Castello Scaligero in Malcesine.

Throughout the month of August (opening on the 3rd at 6:30 pm), it will be possible to visit the eighty original engravings titled «The Disasters of War» by the great Spanish painter and engraver Francisco Goya (1746-1828), one of the most famous artists for undertaking a challenging mission: to depict, through his works, the drama and tragedy of every bloody conflict. The exhibition, coming from Madrid, has already been displayed in other Italian cities.

Presentation and Significance of the Exhibition

“Images and symbols, with nameless figures,” writes Ferdinando Sbizzera, the culture assessor, in presenting the exhibit, “where pain, cruelty, superstition, and moral corruption dominate strongly. War documents in which, alongside an unparalleled narrative representation, we also read a moral-religious and finely political tension.

It conveys a message of civilization that the Malcesine Town Administration is proud to present to its citizens and many summer guests through this masterpiece of the Spanish artist’s graphic work.

Cultural Impact and Contemporary Relevance of the Works

“An event,” concludes Sbizzera, “of strong cultural significance that places Malcesine at the center of tourism attention in the Garda area.” “The Disasters of War” is primarily an exhibition that remains, unfortunately, ever relevant, because there is nothing more current than war.

In every corner of the planet, men are fighting; last year closed with a war at our doorstep—the conflict in the former Yugoslavia.

Goya’s engravings are a powerful testimony to the slaughter of man during war, which is important to see.