Francisco Goya, Attributed/Manner of: Witches’ Sabbath with the Great He-Goat
Francisco Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828)
Attributed / Manner of.
Oil on canvas depicting a nocturnal gathering centered on a large horned goat surrounded by a group of figures beneath a dark, moonlit sky. The dramatic scene is rendered in deep browns, blacks, muted earth tones, and pale highlights, creating an unsettling theatrical atmosphere associated with Goya’s darker explorations of superstition, fear, and the supernatural.
Signed “Goya†lower right. Framed.
The composition recalls the disturbing imagery of Goya’s witchcraft and “Black Paintings†subjects, in which grotesque figures, shadowy landscapes, and supernatural symbolism were used to explore the darker aspects of human belief and imagination. The horned goat, traditionally associated with the devil in European witchcraft imagery, becomes the visual focus of the gathering while the surrounding figures reinforce the ritualistic and ominous character of the scene.
Francisco Goya was one of the most influential Spanish artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His work ranged from royal portraiture and court commissions to deeply personal images of war, superstition, madness, and social criticism, helping establish a powerful visual language that anticipated modern art.
DIMENSIONS
Unframed: 31 1/2 x 22 5/8 in.
Framed: 36 1/2 x 23 3/4 in.
PROVENANCE
Private collection.
Condition
Good condition consistent with age.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Francisco Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828)
Attributed / Manner of.
Oil on canvas depicting a nocturnal gathering centered on a large horned goat surrounded by a group of figures beneath a dark, moonlit sky. The dramatic scene is rendered in deep browns, blacks, muted earth tones, and pale highlights, creating an unsettling theatrical atmosphere associated with Goya’s darker explorations of superstition, fear, and the supernatural.
Signed “Goya†lower right. Framed.
The composition recalls the disturbing imagery of Goya’s witchcraft and “Black Paintings†subjects, in which grotesque figures, shadowy landscapes, and supernatural symbolism were used to explore the darker aspects of human belief and imagination. The horned goat, traditionally associated with the devil in European witchcraft imagery, becomes the visual focus of the gathering while the surrounding figures reinforce the ritualistic and ominous character of the scene.
Francisco Goya was one of the most influential Spanish artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His work ranged from royal portraiture and court commissions to deeply personal images of war, superstition, madness, and social criticism, helping establish a powerful visual language that anticipated modern art.
DIMENSIONS
Unframed: 31 1/2 x 22 5/8 in.
Framed: 36 1/2 x 23 3/4 in.
PROVENANCE
Private collection.
Condition
Good condition consistent with age.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
