Here are some gruesome paintings that I find fascinating. Obvious content warning for gore up ahead.
Portrait of Gregor Baci, 1550
I find it fascinating that Gregor Baci was able to live with such a traumatic head injury.
Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi, 1614-1620
The story behind this one is quite sad but also touching. I find Artemisia Gentileschi to be inspirational.
Summary Execution under the Moorish Kings of Grenada by Henri Regnault, 1870
I became familiar with this painting as a child, from my parents' book on the Musee d'Orsay. Its brutality left a strong impression with me.
The Corpses of the De Witt Brothers by Jan de Baen, 1672-1675
The depths of the historical context behind this one, including that de Baen had previously painted portraits of the De Witt brothers while alive, are crazy. I'm particularly curious about how the cannibalism happened.
