A Procession of Flagellants
1815 Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando
About this artwork
This oil on tin painting depicts a somber religious procession with penitents performing acts of self-flagellation. It is part of a series of small-format paintings by Goya that explore dark, folkloric, and supernatural themes.
Did you know?
Goya created this small-format series in the wake of the Peninsular War, focusing on the dark corners of Spanish culture and religious fanaticism rather than the heroic scenes expected of contemporary painters. These works were likely produced for his own collection or for a private collector, showcasing his increasing interest in the psychological intensity of human suffering and ritual. The grim atmosphere captures the tension between popular religious fervor and the archaic, often brutal, traditions of the era.
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A Procession of Flagellants
Francisco Goya, 1815
