Henry Fuseli created The Nightmare in 1781, using oil paint on canvas. The painting itself is not very large: it is about 4 feet by 4 feet. During this period in Art History, Romanticism started to become very popular. Romanticism focused on freedom, and the ability to be free in all aspects of life, including places of worship and individual thought. It is easily to note that this painting marks the beginning of Romanticism, as the artist fully expresses his thoughts. Fuseli was actually famous for his dark themes, and he was very intrigued by the night (and many time the nightmares that accompany it). The story line is very interesting; it depicts a sleeping woman, with a demon who notoriously preys on women during the night. I really found the dark theme and use of eerie colors very interesting. The viewer can clearly see (and almost feel) the demon's ominous presence, as well as the delicate lady sleeping away.
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