While ancient myths often explore themes of romance and heroism, they can also reveal the darker side of human nature, portraying brutality ...
While ancient myths often explore themes of romance and heroism, they can also reveal the darker side of human nature, portraying brutality and horror. Throughout history, many artists have turned to mythology as their source of inspiration, drawn to these imaginative and symbolic worlds to explore a range of themes, such as love, war, death, or rebirth. The story of Saturn (or Titan Cronus in Greek mythology) devouring his own children to prevent them from overthrowing him has captivated many artists throughout history. One of the most iconic works in art history, Goya's interpretation of this story is known for its visceral and disturbing depiction of the myth, featuring a grotesque and tormented Saturn tearing apart his child with his teeth. A disturbing portrayal of a god driven to madness and cannibalism, Francisco Goya's Saturn Devouring His Son has a powerful and unsettling effect on visitors to the Museo de Prado in Madrid, where it is displayed as a permanent fixture.
This 19th-century painting, originally displayed as a mural in the artist's house, showcases Goya's exceptional craftsmanship while also highlighting the social and political circumstances of the time. By the time he created Saturn Devouring His Son, Goya had established himself as a highly respected artist with a keen understanding of the realities of society, and he used his artistic talent to capture and convey the darker aspects of human nature.
This celebrated painting, characterized by a macabre subject matter and masterful execution, belongs to the Black Paintings series, the iconic body of work that appears as a pinnacle of Goya's impressive oeuvre.
The Origins of Francisco Goya's Saturn Devouring His Son
In 1819, Francisco Goya bought an estate called Quinta del Sordo, or Villa of the Deaf Man, near Madrid. The house's name was associated with its previous owner, who was deaf, but it also fitted Goya, who became deaf after suffering from a heavy fever in 1792. Between 1819 and 1823, the artist covered the walls of Quinta del Sordo with 14 paintings characterized by their dark, somber tones and intense, disturbing subject matter, today known as the Black Paintings series. The murals were not intended for public viewing but rather were a private expression of Goya's innermost fears, anxieties, and obsessions. While the exact meaning and inspiration behind the series remain a subject of debate, it is widely believed that they were influenced by the tumultuous political and social events of the time, including the Peninsular War and the Spanish Inquisition.
One of the most famous works in the series, Saturn Devouring His Son was executed in the dining room. Initially, he made a chalk drawing of the subject matter between 1796–97, depicting a figure tearing the leg of one body while holding another in his right arm. This version is much subtler than the later work. Apparently, Goya wanted to accentuate the madness of Saturn in a more brutal way than his predecessors. For instance, a version by Peter Paul Rubens created between 1636 and 1638 is a more classical and idealized portrayal, typical of the Baroque period in which it was painted. Saturn is depicted in a more heroic and dignified manner, holding a still-alive infant in his left hand and tearing his flash. Goya most likely saw Rubens's painting, but whether he was inspired by it remained unknown.
