The Second of May 1808
Francisco Goya · 1814
Why it's great
In the streets of Madrid, citizens rise up with knives against Napoleon's mounted soldiers. Goya painted this and its companion, 'The Third of May', six years later to honor the people who fought. The chaotic fight swirls with horses and flashing blades. It's a landmark of war painting that focuses on ordinary people.
🏛️ Part of history
Napoleon & the Napoleonic Wars (1799–1815) — The people of Madrid rise up against French troops in the uprising that began the Peninsular War.
Where to see it
📍 Museo del PradoMadrid, Spain
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Francisco Goya was born in a small village in Spain and became the court painter to the Spanish kings in Madrid. After an illness left him deaf in his forties, his art grew darker and more personal. He witnessed war and cruelty and made powerful pictures about it. He spent his last years in Bordeaux, France, and is seen as a bridge between old masters and modern art.
