“Truth Has Died” is an etching on paper by renowned artist Francisco Goya, created between 1810 and 1814. Measuring 17.5 x 22 cm, this artwork is an exemplification of the Romanticism movement and is characterized as a caricature. The artwork is a powerful indictment of the abuses and corruption of the time.
The artwork portrays a group of individuals gathered around a central figure lying prostrate on the ground, seemingly lifeless. Above the prone figure is a man wielding a quill as though it were a dagger, possibly symbolizing the death blow to truth. The facial expressions of the surrounding figures range from indifferent to mocking. The scene is chaotic, with a stark contrast of light and dark, which accentuates the gravity of the moment depicted. The crowded composition, along with the use of hatching and cross-hatching, creates a sense of depth and turmoil. The Romanticism movement’s interest in emotional intensity and the darker aspects of human experience is clearly reflected in the haunting quality of this work.
