Tam O'Shanter pursued by Witches
1849 Kunstmuseum Basel
About this artwork
This dramatic painting captures a man on horseback, Tam O'Shanter, desperately fleeing a group of flying witches under a luminous full moon. The scene is set against a dark, tumultuous sky, emphasizing the intensity of the supernatural pursuit.
Did you know?
This painting by Eugène Delacroix illustrates a scene from Robert Burns' famous poem 'Tam O'Shanter.' The poem tells the tale of a farmer who, after a night of revelry, encounters a coven of witches and warlocks and must outrun them on his mare, Meg. Delacroix's rendition perfectly captures the poem's blend of terror and dark humor, making it a quintessential work of Romantic art.
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Tam O'Shanter pursued by Witches
Eugène Delacroix, 1849