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Finally, theHalloweenseason is here!
So, we’ve conjured up a spellbinding selection ofscary paintings.
As he approached old age, Cezanne became increasingly fascinated by death.
Paul Cézanne, “Pyramid of Skulls,” 1901 (Photo viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
From 1898 until the end of his life in 1905, Cezanne painted several still lifes of skulls.
According to Roman mythology, Saturn (Cronus in Greek folklore) was the leader of the Titans.
Saturn overthrew his father, Caelus, in an effort to become ruler of the universe.
Francisco de Goya, “Saturn Devouring His Son,” c. 1819–1823 (Photo:Museo del PradoviaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Goya did not create this series for the public.
This peculiar piece depicts a young girl standing before a barren landscape.
Finally, a beastly mask rests at her feet, adding even more mystery to the chilling painting.
Artemisia Gentileschi, “Judith Slaying Holofernes,” 1614–1620 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Paintings likeThe Severed Headsreveal Gericault’s keen interest in the macabre.
Here, he portrays a pair of severed heads nestled in bloodstained cloth.
This painting was part of a series of still lifes Gericault made that focused on the human body.
Frida Kahlo, “Girl with Death Mask (She Plays Alone)” 1938 (Photo:Wiki Art, Fair Use)
He depicted these eerie subjects to study anatomy and the way bodies decay.
He eventually tried to set up an Eastern Court in Shimosa Province but was defeated and decapitated.
It looks over Oya Taro Mitsukuni and another samurai who were both sent to get the princess.
Théodore Géricault, “The Severed Heads,” c. 1810 (Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammad Amin FRCP (Glasg) viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
Their plans were foiled by the haunting spirit.
The Smiling Spideris one of manynoirs, or blacks created by Redon between 1870 and 1890.
Black is the most essential color, Redonsaid.
Utagawa Kuniyoshi, “Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Specter” c. 1844 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
One must respect black.
It does not c’mon the eye and it awakens no sensuality.
It is the agent of the mind far more than the most beautiful color of the palette or prism.
Odilon Redon, “The Smiling Spider,” 1887 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
During this 17-year period, Munch recreatedThe Screamin crayon, tempera paint, and oil pastel.
While this scene appears dream-like, it was actually inspired by areal-life locationand a particularly frightening phenomenon.
I felt tired and ill.
Edvard Munch, “The Scream,” 1891 (Photo:National Gallery of NorwayviaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
I stopped and looked out over the fjordthe sun was setting, and the clouds turning blood red.
I sensed a scream passing through nature; it seemed to me that I heard the scream.
I painted this picture, painted the clouds as actual blood.
Henry Fuseli, “The Nightmare,” 1781 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Most art historians believe thatThe Nightmarewas inspired by German folktales.
The army destroys the living and they have no chance of achieving salvation.
This piece was a moral work by Bruegel and influenced by the idea of theDance of Death.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder, “The Triumph of Death” 1562 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Legend has it that anyone who even so much as glanced at her would be turned to stone.
Medusa was cursed by the Greek goddess Athena, who turned her into the venomous monster she became.
Perseus, son of Greek god Zeus and princess Danae, decapitated Medusa using a shield given by Athena.
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, “Medusa,” 1597 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Caravaggio made two versions of hisMedusapaintingone in 1596 and the other in 1597.
In this work, Caravaggio used a mirror and painted his own face in the place of Medusa.
He did so to indicate his immunity to her terrified expression.
Hieronymus Bosch, “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” c. 1500–1505 (Photo:Prado MuseumviaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Though the head is decapitated, it still appears conscious, capturing Medusa’s final horrific moments.
Blood pours out from her severed neck, while her mouth hangs wide open, baring teeth.
In turn, those faces also have even tinier faces inside them, creating a seemingly infinite pattern.
Hieronymus Bosch, “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” c. 1500–1505 (Detail)
Different pairings of the iconography can significantly alter the viewer’s interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who paintedThe Scream?
The Screamwas painted by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch in 1891.
Hans Memling, “Earthly Vanity and Divine Salvation” c. 1485 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Who isThe Nightmareartist?
The Nightmarewas painted by Swiss painter Henri Fuseli in 1781.
What is scary art called?
Hans Memling, “Earthly Vanity and Divine Salvation” (Rear) c. 1485 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Scary artwork goes by different names includingDark Art,Macabre Art, andMorbid Art.
Regardless of its name, each one shares elements of horror.
