The Third of May 1808, 1814
Oil on canvas
Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain
This depicts the aftermath of the Dos de Mayo Uprising, a rebellion by the citizens of Madrid against the French forces occupying the city. The rebellion was not successful, and on the following day, hundreds of those who rose up were, as the picture shows, shot down. The harsh retaliation by the French against the people of Madrid inspired similar rebellions throughout the country, and ultimately triggered the Spanish War of Independence.
