Francisco de Goya – A Scene from The Forcibly Bewitched Part 2 National Gallery UK

Here we observe a nocturnal scene steeped in unsettling ambiguity and psychological tension. A figure, clad entirely in dark garments – a broad-brimmed hat obscuring much of their face – is positioned centrally within the composition. They hold aloft a small flame, its light casting an uneven glow across the immediate surroundings while failing to dispel the pervasive gloom. The gesture is one of apparent protection or warding off, fingers pressed firmly against the mouth as if to stifle a cry or suppress a revelation.
Behind this central figure, a phantasmagorical procession unfolds. Several equine figures, distorted and grotesque in form, emerge from the darkness. Their bodies are elongated and contorted, their expressions suggesting both menace and mockery. One appears to be rearing, its posture conveying an unsettling dynamism. These creatures are not presented as mere beasts; they possess a symbolic weight that transcends literal representation.
To the left of the central figure, a smaller, horned entity is visible, seemingly offering or presenting something – perhaps the flame itself – with a gesture that is difficult to interpret definitively. The ambiguity extends to its role: is it an accomplice in this strange ritual, or a participant in some darker game?
At the base of the composition, a stone marker lies partially obscured by shadow. Inscribed upon it are words rendered illegible due to the dim lighting and distance. This element introduces a sense of narrative context – a suggestion of a place marked by past events, perhaps related to the supernatural occurrences depicted.
The color palette is dominated by muted tones: blacks, browns, and grays contribute to an atmosphere of oppressive darkness and foreboding. The limited use of light serves not to illuminate but rather to heighten the sense of mystery and dread. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, contributing to the overall feeling of unease and psychological disturbance.
Subtexts within this work revolve around themes of superstition, religious authority, and societal anxieties. The figure in black could be interpreted as a representative of the Church, attempting to confront or control forces beyond human comprehension. However, their posture – the hand pressed against the mouth – suggests an internal struggle, perhaps a questioning of faith itself. The distorted equine figures likely symbolize irrational fears and the power of folklore to shape perception. Ultimately, the painting explores the precarious boundary between reality and delusion, reason and madness, leaving the viewer to grapple with unsettling questions about the nature of belief and the persistence of darkness within the human psyche.