The Nightmare Henry (Fussli Fuseli (1741-1825)

Here we observe a nocturnal scene dominated by a palpable sense of unease and psychological distress. A female figure lies prone on a bed, enveloped in white drapery that obscures much of her form while simultaneously suggesting vulnerability. Her posture is one of complete surrender; the head rests heavily upon the pillow, hair cascading across the sheets, conveying exhaustion or perhaps unconsciousness. The pallor of her skin contributes to an overall impression of fragility and helplessness.
Above her hovers a monstrous equine apparition. Its features are unsettling – large, staring eyes, a wide mouth, and a general lack of anatomical refinement that lends it a distinctly unnatural quality. This creature appears not solid but rather as a spectral presence, seemingly formed from shadow and smoke, further amplifying the dreamlike atmosphere.
To the left, perched on the bedclothes, sits a small, goblin-like figure with pointed ears and an expression of malevolent amusement. Its posture is relaxed, almost nonchalant, suggesting a complicity in the scenes disturbing nature. The creature’s gaze seems directed towards the viewer, adding to the feeling of intrusion and discomfort.
The background is largely obscured by darkness, which serves to isolate the figures within the composition and heighten their symbolic weight. A few objects are discernible – what appears to be a mirror leaning against the bedpost, and some metallic containers on a small table – but these elements remain secondary to the central drama unfolding in the foreground. The limited palette of blacks, whites, and muted grays reinforces the somber mood and contributes to the painting’s unsettling effect.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of repressed anxieties, psychological torment, and the intrusion of the subconscious into waking life. The female figure could be interpreted as a representation of innocence or vulnerability being overwhelmed by darker forces – the nightmare itself embodied in the equine apparition and its goblin companion. The mirror might symbolize self-reflection or perhaps a distorted perception of reality. The overall effect is one of psychological horror, suggesting that the true terrors reside not in external threats but within the depths of the human psyche.