Goya's Third of May - Essay Example

Calvinism as a form of religion got great impetus in the period. Even though lack of political stability created much chaos in the minds of the people it did not affect the ushering of arts in any way. It was in this background that Velazquez composed his ever-memorable work namely Surrender at Breda. The culture of Spain is mostly Iberian culture marked by Roman influence in every realm. The Muslim influence is vividly seen in the country during the period. It was against this background that Goya composed his masterpiece Third of May, 1808.

There was an overall development in every field in the country. The culture of the country is manifested in its literature, painting, music, etc. They are the main cultural aspects in which these works of art were given shape. Goya's Art is characterized. In this masterpiece, many of his characteristic styles are imprinted. The work is famous for its use of realism, rich colors, lights, and shadows, etc. These characteristics styles can be found in almost all his works. The subject matter of The Third of May 1808 by Goya is that "it commemorates Spanish resistance to Napoleon's armies during the occupation of 1808.

The work has an emotional force which secures its status as a groundbreaking, archetypal image of the horrors of war." (Thomas). On the other hand Surrender at Breda by Velazquez is about" an event that took place on June 2, 1625, when the Dutch governor, Justin de Nassau, delivered the keys of the city, symbolically, to Ambrosio de Spinola, the Spanish commander. This happened in fact three days after the city was taken. In 1639, shortly after the canvas was painted, Spain lost the city forever; it was conquered by Frederick Henry of Orange.

In Goya's The Third of May 1808, the literary device symbolism is abundantly used to bring about catharsis on the beholder. Symbolism in the work explains its influence on the art world and society. The other literary devices like iconography are not so lavishly used in Goya's The Third of May 1808 as in Velazquez's Surrender at Breda.