Curatorial Notes
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.
Artwork Identification
Title Friar Pedro Wrests the Gun from El Maragato
Title (PT) Frei Pedro arranca a arma de El Maragato
Title (ES) Fray Pedro le arrebata el arma al Maragato
Artist Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes
Artist Bio Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (Spanish, 1746–1828)
Date c. 1806
Work Type Painting
Location & Collection
Institution Art Institute of Chicago
Source View Museum Page
License Creative Commons Public Domain Mark 1.0
