Dramatic Paintings of Hell

Ever since medieval times, artists from all over Europe, and eventually other continents, have delved into their own interpretations of what we might see when entering the divine gates of heaven. Or on the other hand, in the absolute worst-case scenario, what one might see or experience if condemned to the pits of hell. I have always been very curious in artists’ different interpretations of heaven and hell, ever since I first laid eyes on the incredibly detailed works of Heironymous Bosch.

Outside of painting and illustrating, artistic interpretations of what we might discover following our inevitable end, would also enter into literature. The famous poet and philosopher, Dante Alighieri, would complete an epic, narrative poem called The Divine Comedy, detailing a journey from hell, to purgatory and eventually heaven.

This manuscript would start a trail of similar works of literature generations later, like Paradise Lost by John Milton. As painting and writing are two art forms that go hand-in-hand, many artists over the ages began to illustrate scenes from these writings. Including, of course, the realm of Hell.

I can’t help but find it fascinating how at some stage in our history, artists and writers alike would more or less reinterpret the workings, lore and visual aspect of the afterlife, rather than solely adhere to the teachings of the church. I find it to be a truly revolutionary milestone in artistic expression, considering how enraged a vast majority of religious people at the time would have been to see and read such things.

And also, of course, it would continue to inspire many other artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians and everyone in-between, right up to present day. Today we will be venturing through the great deep, as we observe different paintings of hell.