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Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

Friar Pedro Clubs El Maragato with the Butt of the Gun

c. 1806
Oil on panel
29.2 × 38.5 cm (11.5 × 15.2 in)

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● On view now — Gallery 220

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

In small, lively paintings made for his own pleasure or for a few discerning patrons, Francisco de Goya explored satirical and popular aspects of Spanish life. This series was inspired by a contemporary event, the capture of notorious criminal El Maragato by Friar Pedro de Saldivia in 1806. After escaping from prison, El Maragato spent two months stealing food, guns, and money before trying to take Friar Pedro and other innocent people hostage. The friar outsmarted the bandit, however, seizing his gun, shooting him in the thigh as he tried to flee, and finally tying him up. This story was extremely popular in the early 19th century and Spanish artists memorialized it in images, poems, and songs.

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The Hanged MonkThe Hanged MonkFriar Pedro Wrests the Gun from El MaragatoFriar Pedro Wrests the Gun from El MaragatoFriar Pedro Shoots El Maragato as His Horse Runs OffFriar Pedro Shoots El Maragato as His Horse Runs OffPortrait of Isidoro MaiquezPortrait of Isidoro MaiquezWinter SceneWinter SceneFriar Pedro Offers Shoes to El Maragato and Prepares to Push Aside His GunFriar Pedro Offers Shoes to El Maragato and Prepares to PushFriar Pedro Binds El Maragato with a RopeFriar Pedro Binds El Maragato with a RopeEl Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His GunEl Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun

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