Fearful folly

Armed soldiers run in panic at the imposinf sight of a large, swollen ghost. On the right stands a gloomy tree with a teisted, dead trunk which, together with the horizon line, 

forms the only landscape in the picture. The tree is a device that makes the viewer aware of the dimensions of the spectre, as it is as large as he is, or even slightly smaller, as the ghost appears hunched over, as if he did not fit into the frame of the picture.

At his feet, a group of French soldiers fall to the ground in terror. In the foreground, next to him, one of the soldiers is trying to get to his feet. Next to him, another kneeling companion has a look of horror on his face and, next to them, what appears to be the captain is running in terror with his sabre drawn, calling for a retreat. In the background, under the tree, a mass is gathered in fear. Only two soldiers can be made out, trying to get away from the ghostly being.

Various interpretations have been made of this scene. Most of them tend to be alonge the lines of Disasters (Sad presentiments of what is to happen), relating to the wartime sphere of the War of Independence. Thus, the ghost connects with the spectre of the condemnatory punishment of all armies for the evil they cause. It is also linked to the rebellion of the Spanish people against the Napoleonic army. . Finally, it may be a scarecrow, like the one in Caprice 52. What a Tailor Can, with which to frighten the troops and make them flee. In general, it can be said that the phantom embodies all the pain and evil caused by wars.

This print is notable for Goya's use of etching lines to create the forms and volumes. In the apparition, they are arranged in an angular manner to outline the drapery. The dark background of the aquatint reveals a nocturnal scene that accentuates the horror.

The preparatory drawing for the present print, also entitled Fearful folly, has survived.