The Dark Side of Creativity: What Goya’s Sleep of Reason Painting Reveals

Francisco Goya knew intimately, (he’d been manic depressive since late adolescence), that night is when things can become unbearable if our minds are fragile. Sign up to our mailing list to receive 10% off your first order with us: For books and more from The School of Life, visit our online shop: Our website has classes, articles and products to help you lead a more fulfilled life: ​​For Psychotherapy and other therapeutic services: If you want to keep working on your mental well-being and self-understanding, download our hugely helpful new app now: For information on The School of Life’s learning and wellbeing solutions for businesses, including workshops and talks, visit Email business@ or join our monthly business newsletter: Join this channel to get access to exclusive members perks: FURTHER READING You can read more on this and other subjects on our blog, here: “The Spanish painter Francisco Goya is one of the outstanding artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born into a middle-class family in 1746, in Fuendetodos in Aragon, he began painting young and was quickly recognised by his contemporaries for his genius. We acclaim him today for, among other works, his masterpieces, The Third of May 1808, his portrait of Charles IV and his family — as well as his series of unflinching prints, The Disasters of War. However, his most emotionally compelling work is a print he made in 1799, titled — hauntingly and evocatively — The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters…” MORE SCHOOL OF LIFE Watch more films on ART and ARCHITECTURE in our playlist: SOCIAL MEDIA Feel free to follow us at the links below: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: CREDITS Produced in collaboration with: Gemma Hope Green Title animation produced in collaboration with Graeme Probert