Francisco de Goya (1704-1828)

is one of the most important artists of the late 18and early 19centuries.
A painter, draughtsman, and printmaker, Goya served under three Spanish kings and was associated with several stylistic movements during his artistic career. Goya’s works reflect his conscious individuality in relation to a rapidly changing world, especially during Spain’s conflicts with France.
In October 1808, Goya was called to war-torn Saragossa early in the Peninsula War to paint Spain’s triumphant efforts over the invading French armies.
He recorded the death and destruction he observed there in numerous drawings and small paintings. From theses sketches, Goya created the 82 plates that compose his famous Disasters of War series.

Helnwein working on his series "The disasters of War", 2007-2008:

Modernism Gallery
685 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
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Harry S.Parker III, Director of San Francisco Fine Arts Museums:

From the essay "Gottfried Helnwein - The Child"
for the catalogue of the one man exhibition
"The Child: Works by Gottfried Helnwein"
San Francisco Fine Arts Museums
Legion of Honor, Galleries 1 & 2
31 July–28 November 2004

"For Helnwein, the child is the symbol of innocence, but also of innocence betrayed. In today’s world, the malevolent forces of war, poverty, and sexual exploitation and the numbing, predatory influence of modern media assault the virtue of children. Helnwein’s work concerning the child includes paintings, drawings, and photographs, and it ranges from subtle inscrutability to scenes of stark brutality.

Of course, brutal scenes—witness The Massacre of the Innocents—have been important and regularly visited motifs in the history of art. What makes Helnwein’s art significant is its ability to make us reflect emotionally and intellectually on the very expressive subjects he chooses. Many people feel that museums should be a refuge in which to experience quiet beauty divorced from the coarseness of the world. This notion sells short the purposes of art, the function of museums, and the intellectual curiosity of the public.
The Child: Works by Gottfried Helnwein will inspire and enlighten many; it is also sure to upset some. It is not only the right but the responsibility of the museum to present art that deals with important and sometimes controversial topics in our society"