Isle of The Dead | Arnold Böcklin | 1883 Size:18"x12" this work distills myth into

this work distills myth into a psychological icon—eerie

The stark red background and distorted anatomy heighten the emotional intensity

and this piece reflects the darker themes often present in his literary work

limp figure creates a haunting atmosphere — she almost appears deceased

Isle of The Dead | Arnold Böcklin | 1883 Size:18"x12" this work distills myth intoAll versions of Isle of the Dead depict a desolate and rocky islet seen across an expanse of dark water. A small rowing boat is just arriving at a water gate and seawall on shore. An oarsman maneuvers the boat from the stern. In the bow, facing the gate, is a standing figure clad entirely in white. Just ahead of the figure is a white, festooned object commonly interpreted as a coffin. The tiny islet is dominated by a dense grove of tall, dark cypress