Do Not Lose Honour through Fear [Folly of Fear] (Por Temor No Pierdas Honor [Disparate de Miedo]) (ca. 1813-1820)

Francisco de Goya’s etching, "Do Not Lose Honour through Fear (Folly of Fear)" (Por Temor No Pierdas Honor [Disparate de Miedo]), created around 1813-1820, is an evocative exploration of psychological and metaphorical themes embedded within a nocturnal landscape. The work is part of Goya's famed series of etchings known as "Los Disparates" or "The Follies," which reflect on folly and human irrationality.In this enigmatic piece, Goya depicts a haunting scene under an imposing, night sky. At the center stands an enormous, phantom-like figure draped in flowing garments, casting an overwhelming presence. The figure’s face is obscured or non-existent, adding an eerie anonymity that amplifies the painting's surreal quality. This specter overlooks a tumultuous scene where humans appear strewn across the ground in chaotic disarray, perhaps suggesting the aftermath of a violent encounter or the grips of a terrifying vision.A solitary tree bends as if in response to a fierce, unseen wind, while a small figure armed with a lance charges forward—a gesture of defiance or desperation against the overwhelming adverse forces represented by the gigantic figure.Through his masterful use of chiaroscuro and detailed textures, Goya not only delves into the theme of honor versus fear, but also invites viewers to contemplate on deeper metaphors of power, the unseen terrors that grip societies, and the individual’s response to such enormities. This powerful work challenges the viewer to question the nature of fear and the cost of maintaining one’s honor in the face of it—themes as relevant today as they were in Goya's time.