Curatorial Narrative This painting, “A woman about to attack a sleeping man with an axe”, is a testament to Francisco de Goya’s unyielding commitment to realism during the tumultuous years surrounding the creation of this work. Executed in the early 19th century, its fine brushwork and stark palette evoke an unsettling atmosphere, one that seems almost palpable as the beholder gazes upon the scene unfolding before them.The minimalist composition, characteristic of Goya’s later works, masterfully exploits spatial depth to create a sense of impending doom. The woman, shrouded in darkness, advances with axe aloft, while her victim slumbers oblivious. As we consider this work on an enlarged scale – specifically, at 44×64 inches – the chromatic structure assumes a profound importance. Sepia and brown hues dominate, punctuated by subtle white highlights that seem to gleam with an almost macabre intensity. This deliberate restraint imbues