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

The canvas presents a scene steeped in darkness and unsettling energy. A throng of figures dominates the composition, their forms emerging from a pervasive gloom that obscures much of the background. The artist has employed a limited palette, primarily consisting of blacks, browns, and muted greens, which contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere of dread and mystery.
The central focus appears to be a large, vaguely animalistic figure positioned towards the middle ground. Its form is indistinct, shrouded in shadow, yet it seems to command the attention of those gathered around it. These figures are rendered with a deliberate lack of detail; faces are distorted, expressions are grotesque, and postures are contorted into poses that suggest both ecstasy and terror. Some appear to be dancing or cavorting, while others seem lost in silent contemplation, their gazes fixed on the central figure.
A sense of chaotic movement pervades the scene. The figures are clustered together, pressing against one another, creating a feeling of claustrophobia and unrestrained frenzy. There is an absence of clear spatial relationships; the depth of field is compressed, further intensifying the impression of a crowded, almost suffocating environment.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, contributing to the overall sense of unease. The paint application appears hurried and gestural, conveying a feeling of immediacy and raw emotion. This technique also serves to obscure details, reinforcing the ambiguity surrounding the figures and their actions.
Subtexts within this work suggest themes of transgression, ritualistic behavior, and perhaps even societal anxieties regarding the occult or marginalized groups. The distorted forms and unsettling atmosphere evoke a sense of primal fear and challenge conventional notions of order and morality. It is possible to interpret the scene as a depiction of repressed desires and forbidden practices, brought to light under the cover of darkness. The ambiguity inherent in the imagery allows for multiple interpretations, inviting viewers to confront their own fears and prejudices.