ART HISTORY LECTURE: Monsters & Marvels: Grotesque and Monstrous Imagery

This lecture just in time for Halloween, will explore the fascinating world of the grotesque and monstrous as depicted across various cultures. Through artworks like Medieval marginalia, the fantastical creatures of Hieronymus Bosch, Francisco Goya’s haunting, dark allegories, and the raw emotion of Francis Bacon’s portraits, we will examine how artists have used grotesque imagery to reflect societal fears, anxieties, and fascinations. Gain insights into why the grotesque continues to captivate artists and audiences alike, providing a thought-provoking journey through some of the most bizarre and surreal art in history.