El Maragato Threatens Friar Pedro de Zaldivia with His Gun

c. 1806

In paintings made for his own pleasure, Goya explored popular aspects of Spanish life. This series was inspired by the capture of notorious criminal El Maragato by Friar Pedro de Saldivia. After escaping from prison, El Maragato spent two months stealing food, guns, and money before trying to take Friar Pedro and other people hostage. The friar outsmarted the bandit, however, seizing his gun, shooting him in the thigh and finally tying him up.

Public domain · CC0
Free to download and reuse. Image courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (Spanish, 1746–1828)

Date

c. 1806

Medium

Oil on panel

Dimensions

Framed: 41.6 × 51.2 × 6.4 cm (16 3/8 × 20 1/8 × 2 1/2 in.)

Origin

Spain

Collection

Art Institute of Chicago

Credit

Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson Collection