7 Artworks Inspired by Great Literature
While most people tend to relive iconic literary moments in their minds only, many artists have chosen to bring such scenes into life through painting. Yes, a lot of books come with their own illustrations, but the following examples of artworks have been created by artists who felt incredibly inspired by the books that they have read.
- “Don Quixote” by Pablo Picasso
Literary Inspiration: “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha” by Miguel de Cervantes
Though Picasso is mostly known for pioneering Cubism, he had explored a wide range of styles that reflected his moods and interests at the time. This painting, in particular, bears a significantly different artistic style because of its source material.
Through simple but dark, bold lines, Picasso had captured the true essence of the novel. The painting features the daring Don Quixote atop his horse, holding on to his weapon and shield. On his side is his loyal companion Sancho Panza and his donkey. Above, the sun beats down on the duo while the iconic windmills from the story stand in the background.
Much like the novel, the relationship dynamics between the two can be easily observed by how Picasso positioned them in the painting. This is further highlighted by the erratic lines used for Don Quixote and the smoother lines for Sancho Panza’s rounded figure.
- “Oedipus and the Sphinx” by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres
Literary Inspiration: “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles
This painting depicts the encounter between the hero of Sophocles’ tragedy, Oedipus, and the Sphinx—an ancient mythological creature whose form is made up of the head and chest of a woman, the wings of a large bird, and the body of a lioness.
Like in the original story, Oedipus is trying to get pass the Sphinx in order to complete his quest. Featured at the center is the hero armed with two spears, while the villain is hidden in the shadows. There are other indicators of the malicious nature of the Sphinx, such as the dark expression on her face, as well as the bones and foot of a human being on the ground beside them. In contrast, Oedipus exudes a confident but calm demeanor even in the presence of a human-eating monster.
- “Mad Tea Party” by Salvador Dali
Literary Inspiration: “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll
Dali’s surrealist tendencies perfectly match the fantastic elements of the story. This painting, however, is just one of the 12 works he created based on each chapter of the book.
For this particular chapter, Dali tapped into the almost psychedelic parties hosted by the “Hatter” for the residents and visitors of Wonderland. Various iconic objects from the attendees are featured in the painting, including the watch, the key, and the tea sets.
With the stunning choice of vibrant colors and the deep imagery, this painting reflects well the unique vision of the author.
- “Saturn Devouring His Son” by Francisco di Goya
Literary Inspiration: “Theogony” by Hesiod
This rather controversial painting is never meant to be displayed for public viewing by Goya. However, after his death, his paintings were acquired by a Belgian Baron who had no qualms about letting the world appreciate the artistry behind this painting.
As the title suggests, the scene immortalized by Goya is about Saturn, an ancient Roman god, who is willing to do anything to keep his throne, even if it meant eating his own children. The painting masterfully shows the depravity and insanity of this atrocious act through the dark colors, harsh lines, and a daring pose that would make any viewer stare in disbelief.
- “Domain of Arnheim” by Rene Magritte
Literary Inspiration: “The Domain of Arnheim” by Edgar Allan Poe
This surrealist painting is based on a line from the story that claims that there is no scenery in nature that could be better than the one that a genius painter could create. Though it is one of his lesser-known works, Magritte became intrigued by this particular thought.
Given that “Arnheim” means “Home of the Eagle” in German, the painter decided to take up on this notion by painting a large snowy mountain that resembles a soaring eagle as background for a nest placed on top of a stony ledge.
- “Hamlet and Horatio in the Cemetery” by Eugene Delacroix
Literary Inspiration: “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
Strictly speaking, Delacroix’s fascination with Shakespeare began after watching a theater performance of Hamlet when he was young. However, this sparked his profound love for Shakespearian plays.
To honor one of his favorite scenes, he created this painting based on the scene wherein the gravedigger who is holding up a skull of Yorick towards Hamlet. The somber colors, the gloomy expressions of the characters, and the darkened skies showcase how death somehow always seem to follow this tragic hero.
- “Dante and Virgil” by William Bouguereau
Literary Inspiration: “Inferno” by Dante Alighieri
The novel is famous mostly for its painfully detailed description of the nine circles of hell. Of this circles, Bouguereau had chosen to illustrate the eighth circle, which is reserved specifically for those who speak of falsities and commit acts of counterfeit.
Dante, the protagonist of the novel, is just a horrified bystander, while his guide, Virgil the Poet, stands by with a hand over his nose and mouth to cover up the terrible stench of the place. What stands out in the painting is the vicious attack of the usurper Gianni Schicchi against Capocchio, who is known for his works in alchemy. In the background is the winged Devil, who is clearly enjoying the scene before him.
Through the excellent choice of colors and the pictorial realism of the figures, the painter manages to capture the nightmare-inducing elements of the story in a strangely beautiful artwork.
If you haven’t read any of these works, go and take the time to go through each of them during your spare time. Doing so might just inspire your own artistic side to come out and produce an literature-based artwork of your own.
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