Bocklin The plague 1898, Kunstmuseum Basel, Basle Arnold Böcklin (1827-1901)

The composition presents a scene steeped in dread and symbolic weight. A figure, draped in dark robes, dominates the upper portion of the canvas, riding atop a monstrous creature resembling a bat or winged beast. The riders posture is commanding yet unsettling; they hold aloft an object – perhaps a staff or scepter – that further emphasizes their authority over the scene unfolding below. Their face remains largely obscured by shadow, contributing to an aura of anonymity and menace.
Below this central figure lies a chaotic tableau. A demonic entity, vividly rendered in crimson hues, is pinned beneath the creature’s forelegs. Its posture suggests both struggle and defeat, its horns prominently displayed as symbols of malevolence. Surrounding this confrontation are other figures – some seemingly engaged in conflict, others appearing to flee or observe with expressions of terror. The architectural setting appears to be a Mediterranean town, characterized by narrow streets and weathered buildings. A pervasive sense of decay hangs over the scene; the structures seem aged and neglected, contributing to the overall atmosphere of decline.
The color palette is deliberately somber, dominated by muted earth tones punctuated by the striking red of the demonic figure. The use of light is dramatic, with a hazy luminescence emanating from above, casting long shadows and intensifying the sense of foreboding. This lighting creates a stark contrast between the figures in the foreground and the indistinct background, drawing attention to the central conflict.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of pestilence, societal collapse, and the triumph of destructive forces over order. The rider on the winged beast could be interpreted as an allegorical representation of disease or a harbinger of doom, while the fallen demon suggests a struggle against evil that may ultimately prove futile. The fleeing figures underscore the vulnerability of humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity. The architectural setting, with its decaying structures and narrow streets, reinforces the sense of confinement and inescapable fate. Overall, the painting evokes a profound feeling of anxiety and despair, reflecting a deep-seated apprehension about the fragility of civilization.