See How Modern Artists Obsessed With Death and Darkness Looked to Medieval Gothic Artworks for Inspiration

During the late 19th century, a dark and gothic trend emerged among artists. Paintings such as Vincent van Gogh’s Head of a Skeleton With a Burning Cigarette (1886), Edvard Munch’s By the Deathbed (1893), and Hugo Simberg’s The Garden of Death (1896) reflected a fascination with mortality and existential questions.

However, these artists did not draw inspiration solely from their contemporary troubles. A new exhibition in Helsinki, Finland, titled “Gothic Modern: From Darkness to Light” explores how these painters looked back to medieval art for ideas and themes.

The Ateneum Art Museum juxtaposes medieval and Renaissance artworks with those of modern masters, showcasing the Gothic themes that connect them. According to a statement from the museum, all the pieces on display delve into life’s profound questions in a raw and darkly humorous manner.

While art history often spotlights the evolution of styles in Paris, where movements like Impressionism and Cubism thrived, many Northern European artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries found cultural inspiration in Berlin. This city attracted artists seeking a more spiritual and somber interpretation of life, often drawing from medieval themes.

According to co-curator Anna-Maria von Bonsdorff, the Gothic worldview of the medieval era brought about a focus on spiritual yearning, pain, and the mysteries of existence. This fascination with mortality and the spiritual realm heavily influenced renowned artists like van Gogh and Munch.

Van Gogh’s Head of a Skeleton, for instance, showcases a casual and almost humorous approach to death with a skeleton holding a cigarette. While some view it as a lighthearted anatomy exercise, others interpret it as a modern take on the medieval concept of the “dance of death.”

Similarly, Edvard Munch’s work, influenced by German medieval art, and Marianne Stokes’ exploration of Gothic themes reflect the artists’ response to the industrialization, social upheaval, and impending conflicts of their time. The exhibition’s relevance extends to modern crises, making it a poignant reflection on the enduring themes of mortality and spirituality.

In a world where traditional beliefs and utopias are questioned, the exhibition resonates with a contemporary audience. It serves as a reminder of life’s brevity and the importance of embracing the present moment, even amidst uncertainty and darkness.

“Gothic Modern: From Darkness to Light” will be showcased at the Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki until January 26, 2025.