Disturbing works in the history of art
Film, writing, and music are often known for depicting or conveying violent and tragic images. However, violence, sordidness, and the macabre have a long history and are not new to art. In fact, it was during the Middle Ages that masters of the time began to meticulously detail in their paintings all the terrible suffering that awaited infidels. Depictions of Hell came to cover entire church walls, and disturbing and sinister elements can be found in manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and even architecture—one need only think of the works of Pieter Brueghel or Hieronymus Bosch.
But the history of more recent art has not lacked unsettling and terrifying works either. Representations of the horrors of war, the injustices of society, or simply the most primal human emotions and fears manifest themselves in the canvases of, for example, Goya, Henry Fuseli, Francis Bacon, or Katsushika Hokusai.
Since Halloween recently ended, we want to revisit some of the most chilling and thought-provoking works in our collection. Please enjoy responsibly.
Since Halloween recently ended, we want to revisit some of the most chilling and thought-provoking works in our collection. Please enjoy responsibly.
