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Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

Soldiers Frightened by a Phantom, from Disparates, published as plate 2 in Los Proverbios

1816–19, published 1864
Etching and burnished aquatint in brown-black on ivory wove paper
21.9 × 31.9 cm (8.6 × 12.6 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This nightmarish image is a conundrum. Soldiers cowering before a towering specter can be interpreted as representing the fear of death or defeat, illustrating the vulnerability of fighters during a time of war. Upon a closer look, one can see a smirking face emerging from the phantom’s sleeve, indicating that the colossal apparition may actually be a hoax. With characteristic irony, Goya mocks meaningless superstitions and irrational fears.

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