Le motin de Esquilache (The Esquilache Riots) Francisco Jose De Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828)

Here we observe a tumultuous scene unfolding in what appears to be a densely populated urban environment. The composition is dominated by a large crowd surging forward, their expressions and postures conveying agitation and unrest. A central figure, clad in clerical robes, stands elevated on a makeshift platform or cart, his arms raised as if delivering an impassioned address. He holds aloft an object – possibly a staff or crosier – that draws the eye upward.
The artist has employed a palette of muted earth tones punctuated by flashes of red and yellow within the crowd’s attire. This color scheme contributes to the overall sense of chaos and disorder, while also suggesting a certain grimness. The brushwork is loose and energetic, particularly in the depiction of the throng, which appears almost as a wave of humanity. Details are often blurred or indistinct, prioritizing the impression of movement and emotional intensity over precise representation.
The architecture visible in the background – a mix of towers and buildings – provides a sense of depth and establishes the setting as a significant urban center. The sky is overcast, adding to the atmosphere of foreboding.
Subtleties within the scene suggest a complex narrative. The elevated position of the clerical figure implies authority or at least an attempt to exert influence over the crowd. However, his expression is difficult to discern definitively; it could be interpreted as either righteous indignation or perhaps even apprehension. The presence of individuals in formal attire – suggesting members of the elite – mixed within the agitated masses hints at a broader social conflict.
The composition’s dynamism and the palpable tension between the central figure and the crowd suggest an event of considerable political or religious significance, likely involving a challenge to established power structures. The artist seems less interested in documenting specific individuals than in capturing the collective emotion and energy of a moment of public upheaval.