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The Executions of the Third of May

The Executions of the Third of May

Q Study the painting by Francisco de Goya, The Executions of the Third of May, 1808. After the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte was the most powerful leader of France (1799-1815) In 1808, he invaded Spain to extend his empire. Goya, a native of Spain, portrayed the execution of citizens by Napoleon's soldiers during this event. Guerrilla warfare was a major problem for the French. (*Scroll down to the questions) Please answer the following questions: 1) What message might Goya have been trying to convey to Spanish viewers by means of this painting? 2) What does this message suggest about the French occupation of Spain? 3) What associations might viewers of Goya's day have made to the central figure in white? 4) Why do you think guerrilla warfare tactics, like poisoning drinking water or ambush, are so successful? Think back to the colonists during the American Revolution. And, of course, respond to the comments of two other students!

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Spanish painter Francisco Goya was infamous for his art that was recovered from the walls of his basement post his death. His paintings mostly deal with dark themes and have an element of gore and violence associated with them. Through his painting, the Third of May, it is evident that Goya has drawn the execution carried out by the French soldiers against the Spanish guerilla fighters after the French conquest of Spain by Napoleon Bonaparte. A man in white is seen stretching out his hands at the center as all guns point at him.