The Great He-Goat or Witches Sabbath, ca 1821-23, Det Francisco Jose De Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828)

The canvas presents a densely populated scene shrouded in near darkness, illuminated by sporadic and unsettling light sources. A multitude of figures are pressed together, their faces contorted into expressions ranging from ecstatic abandon to grotesque mockery. The overall impression is one of chaotic revelry and sinister ritual.
Here we see a central female figure, her face pale and gaunt, cradling an infant. Her gaze is directed upwards, seemingly towards the source of the light that highlights her features amidst the surrounding gloom. Around her, individuals are engaged in various acts – some appear to be dancing or cavorting, others stare with unsettling intensity, while still others seem lost in a state of trance-like absorption. The artist has rendered their faces with an emphasis on exaggerated features and distorted expressions, contributing to the overall atmosphere of unease and disorientation.
The composition is deliberately disorienting; theres no clear spatial depth or perspective. Figures overlap and merge into one another, creating a sense of claustrophobia and collective madness. The darkness that dominates the background serves not only to obscure details but also to amplify the unsettling nature of the scene, suggesting an environment beyond rational comprehension.
The presence of what appears to be a horned figure – though partially obscured – further reinforces the notion of supernatural or demonic influence. This element, combined with the distorted faces and frenzied activity, suggests a gathering of individuals engaged in practices considered heretical or forbidden by societal norms. The artist’s choice to depict these figures without overt condemnation allows for multiple interpretations; they could be victims of delusion, participants in a genuine occult ritual, or simply representations of humanitys darker impulses.
The painting seems to explore themes of transgression, superstition, and the blurred boundaries between reality and fantasy. It is not merely a depiction of a gathering but an exploration of the psychological states associated with fear, belief, and societal marginalization. The work’s power lies in its ability to evoke a visceral response – a sense of dread and fascination – in the viewer, prompting reflection on the darker aspects of human nature and the enduring allure of the forbidden.