the painting “saturn devouring his son” was created with the intention only of the artist seeing it. it is based on a roman myth where, to prevent a prophecy that one of his children would overthrow him, the titan saturn swallowed each of his offspring at birth. the painting itself was made years later during the peninsular war and under an oppressive spanish government. he used the myth as an allegory for political corruption and how the spanish government treated its people. even though it’s more metaphorical, i find it reminiscent of modern politics and how certain world leaders, royalty, and celebrities can take advantage of vulnerable young women and minors. before anyone says “that’s offensive,” art depicts things that are disgusting and brings attention to how dark people can be. if art only showed what was comfortable, it wouldn’t be able to challenge people or expose the reality of abuse and corruption.
