Artist Proof, first state, 2/3. Titled, numbered, signed, and dated verso: “Plate 1: Disasters of War / AP 2/3 1st state / Lombardo 2024”. Printed in Gamblin Portland Cool Black ink on Hahnemühle Copperplate paper. A fine impression in fine condition. Sheet measures 11 1/2 x 12 inches.
This composition is closely tied to Goya’s first plate in the Disasters of War. Engulfing darkness signals impending tragedies. Goya’s central figure, a saintly emaciated man, is perhaps looking up to god. Agony in the Garden or Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane; Christ talking with God before his crucifixion, is often cited when discussing Goya’s plate. Here we see a woman, chained to a wall, with a foot in the garden, the barren natural world stretching towards her. She is having a baby, perhaps against her will or better judgment. Screaming in agony at the world this child is entering. Surrounding the figure we see symbols of a fallen democracy, birds of prey and authoritarianism.
