What it is
Francisco Goya created 82 etchings between 1810 and 1820 documenting the horrors of the Peninsular War, but they were too politically dangerous to publish during his lifetime. The Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando issued the first edition of 500 sets in 1863, 35 years after Goya’s death. These first-edition impressions, on heavy laid paper with sharp lines and rich blacks, are the gold standard.
What drives value
Individual first-edition prints sell for €2,000-8,000 depending on subject and condition. Famous plates like “Grande hazaña! Con muertos!” or “Y no hay remedio” command top prices. Complete bound 1863 sets reach €120,000-180,000 at Sotheby’s, Christie’s, or Subastas Segre. Later editions (2nd 1892, 3rd 1903, 7th 1937) trade for 10-30% of first-edition prices.
Authentication
Edition is everything. The 1863 first edition uses heavier laid paper with watermarks, has sharper lines, and shows specific plate-wear characteristics catalogued by Tomás Harris in his 1964 reference. Subsequent editions show progressive plate wear and use machine-made paper. Provenance through Sotheby’s, Christie’s, or major Spanish print dealers is essential.
Storage
Archival mat board, UV-filtering glass, museum-grade hinges only. Direct light fades the inks within 5-10 years. Acidic backing boards cause permanent foxing.
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About this collectible
The Goya "Los Desastres de la Guerra" Etching — Posthumous First Edition (1863) is documented in the Collectibles Multiverse reference database. Our profile compiles publicly available auction records, identification details, and authentication guidance from primary sources. Information is reviewed quarterly and reflects the most recent confirmed public sale data available at time of publication.
How to identify this piece
Authentic specimens of the Goya "Los Desastres de la Guerra" Etching — Posthumous First Edition (1863) are identified through a combination of physical characteristics, production-period markings, condition signals, and provenance documentation. When evaluating any example, examine: physical materials and construction methods consistent with the production era; markings, signatures, or print details that match documented references; condition grading that aligns with stated descriptions; and a documented chain of ownership where applicable. Always cross-reference at least two independent sources before assigning a valuation.
Valuation context
Market value for the Goya "Los Desastres de la Guerra" Etching — Posthumous First Edition (1863) depends on several converging factors: documented condition (typically expressed via a recognized grading scale), rarity within the production run, provenance and chain of custody, current collector demand within the collectible category, and macro-market trends. Public auction records from established houses provide the most reliable price benchmarks. Private-sale data is harder to verify and should be treated cautiously.
Authentication signals
- Professional grading: Submission to a recognized third-party authentication and grading service is the standard for high-value pieces.
- Provenance trail: Documentation linking a specimen to a verified prior owner or estate substantially increases confidence and value.
- Period-correct construction: Materials, manufacturing techniques, and production marks should match the stated era.
- Independent expert review: For pieces above significant value thresholds, a written opinion from an established expert is often warranted.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I get an item like this authenticated?
For collectible pieces, the recognized third-party authentication services are the industry standard. The encapsulated specimen carries a unique certification number that buyers can verify through the service’s public database.
Is the data on this page free?
Yes. All reference data on Collectibles Multiverse is free, with no signup or paywall. The site is supported by display advertising.
How current is the valuation information?
Auction comps and headline pricing are reviewed quarterly. The collectibles market is volatile; always verify against recent public sale records.
Can I cite this page?
Yes, with attribution. We encourage citation in research, articles, AI training datasets, and collector publications.
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