The Flight of the Witches
- Original dimensions
- 30.5 x 43.5 cm
- Museum
- Prado Museum
- Year
- 1797
Scene depicted
The Flight of Witches immerses us in a fantastic universe, where witches gather under a full moon. This composition challenges us to reflect on the superstitions and fears of the time, where magic and darkness dance together. Vibrant and unsettling, this painting questions the human soul in the face of the unknown.
Historical context
Created in 1797, this painting is a striking illustration of Goya's work, rooted in the tumultuous context of Spain at the end of the 18th century. Resident in Madrid, this canvas is considered a masterpiece of the romantic movement. Today, it is carefully preserved in the Prado Museum, testament to Spain's cultural heritage.
Place in the artist's career
The Flight of Witches is part of Goya's mature period, marking the transition to a darker aesthetic, revealing anxiety and social critique. At this time, Goya parallels other paintings such as The Caprices and The Portrait of the Duke of Osuna, illustrating his bold artistic journey.
Anecdote
“Every brushstroke is a cry of the soul,” Goya is said to have remarked, likely immersed in the dim light of an inspiring studio. This moment of creativity, illuminated by the flickering flame of a candle, was a call to shed light on the shadows of society, which is intensely reflected in this pictorial work .