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Saturn, devouring his son by Francisco de Goya

Saturn, devouring his son by Francisco de Goya

“Saturn, devouring his son” – one of the most memorable and unforgettable images of Goya, belonging to a series of “black paintings.” These frescoes are created by Goya on the plastered walls of his house – located on the banks of the Manzanares River, near Madrid.

Initially, the walls were decorated with positive images that lifted the mood, but over time the master began to create tough and disturbing songs, which was caused by the growing depression and paranoia, as well as fears about the imminent death. The master did not write, did not speak, and did not make any efforts at all to make this series known. Only in 1874, 50 years after the death of the artist, the works were transferred from the walls to the canvas.

History, which illustrates the work, refers us to the myth of the Roman god Saturn, who, frightened by the prophecy that he will be overthrown by one of his sons, devoured potential competitors. In the end, Saturn’s wife hid her sixth son, Jupiter, and the prophecy was fulfilled. There is an opinion that Goya derived inspiration from the work of the same name by Rubens, but the ferocity and ruthlessness with which Saturn eats the child contrasts with the cold-blooded and methodical character of Rubens, which makes the mural terrifying and unique.

The picture shows a psychopath who is unable to control his actions. Rudeness, nakedness, confusion of Saturn’s hair, as well as a wide look and aggressive behavior – all this indicates hysterical madness. Perhaps this is a reference to the terrible events taking place in Spain at that time. The crazy god has already torn off and swallowed the child’s head, his right hand and is busy eating the left, and his hands are so strongly digging into the victim that they pierce the skin. There is evidence that the initial image of Saturn was erect phallus, which filled the work with even greater horror.

As usual, some questions remain unanswered. For example, the rounded buttocks and the shape of the thighs of a half-eaten victim indicate that Saturn devours more of her daughter than her son. Besides, she is not a child at all, she is a well-developed young woman. Allegorical picture is treated differently. Some critics believe that it can symbolize the Spanish state devouring its own citizens, others interpret Saturn as the French revolution, or even Napoleon.

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