Saturn Devouring His Son shows a horrifying myth of a father eating his own child, painted during the artist’s dark final years.
The Raft of the Medusa was inspired by a real shipwreck where survivors resorted to cannibalism.
Judith Beheading Holofernes reflects the artist’s own trauma after a violent personal tragedy.
The Third of May 1808 portrays the brutal execution of civilians during war.
The Garden of Earthly Delights contains disturbing scenes of punishment and hell.
The Death of Marat shows the murdered revolutionary leader moments after assassination.
Ophelia depicts a character drowning after emotional trauma in Shakespeare’s story.
Liberty Leading the People was inspired by the bloody July Revolution in France.
Ivan the Terrible and His Son shows the moment a ruler realizes he has killed his own son in anger.
The Nightmare depicts sleep paralysis and terrifying dreams.
Many masterpieces were inspired by tragedy, war, and human suffering.