At Large  October 26, 2023  Chandra Noyes

10 Terrifying Artworks from Art History

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Author: chandra
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Hans Holbein the Younger, The Ambassadors, 1533. National Gallery London.

With Halloween just around the corner, many are eager to experience the seasonal chills and thrills. Look no further than the art museum, which is full of frightening depictions from biblical horrors, to Greek mythology, and pure existential dread. Here are ten great artworks to put you in the Halloween spirit.

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Pieter Brueghel chaotic painting of Hell

Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Dulle Griet (Mad Meg), 1563. Oil on panel. Museum Mayer van den Bergh, Antwerp.

Pieter Bruegel the Elder's depiction of a Flemish folktale gives us a vision of the gates of hell. Griet, which was shorthand for an uppity or nagging, loud woman, is shown leading an army of angry women to pillage hell. Their greed and brashness is no match for the demons they encounter, as they wear armor and wield weapons in order to collect their treasures.

About the Author

Chandra Noyes

Chandra Noyes is the former Managing Editor for Art & Object.