The Souls of Acheron (1898)
by Adolf Hirémy-Hirschl
Hungarian, 1860-1933

Adolf Hirémy-Hirschl was a Hungarian artist renowned for his historical and mythological paintings, particularly those related to ancient Rome. His work “The Souls of Acheron,” painted in 1898, is a vivid portrayal of the Greek mythological concept of the afterlife.

In this painting, Hirémy-Hirschl depicts the god Hermes, identifiable by his winged hat and dark blue robes, as he leads the recently deceased to the lower world. The scene is set on the banks of the River Acheron, known in mythology as the river of woe, one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld. The dead are shown pleading with Hermes to allow them to return to the upper world, but he ignores their cries as he strides through the bodies to meet Charon at the shore, who will ferry these souls across the river into the underworld.

Hirémy-Hirschl’s painting captures the essence of this mythology with a dramatic composition that emphasizes the contrast between the divine figure of Hermes and the despairing souls. The use of light and shadow, along with the somber color palette, evokes the emotional weight of the scene and reflects the artist’s skill in conveying narrative through visual art.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Tamara and the Demon (1889)
by Konstantin Makovsky
Russian, 1839-1915 

Konstantin Makovsky was an influential Russian painter, affiliated with the “Peredvizhniki” or “Wanderers.” He was known for his historical paintings that often presented an idealized view of Russian life in previous centuries. 

“Tamara and the Demon” is a captivating painting that delves into the themes of virtue and evil, drawing inspiration from Mikhail Lermontov’s poem “Demon”, which tells a story of a fallen angel who wanders the earth filled with bitterness and loneliness. Set in the Caucasus Mountains, the Demon encounters Tamara, a beautiful Georgian princess, and becomes infatuated with her. The Demon indirectly causes the death of Tamara’s betrothed and he eventually reveals himself to her. Tamara is drawn to him and succumbs to his embrace, which proves fatal. In the end, Tamara’s soul ascends to heaven, while the Demon is left alone once again, despairing and without hope. The poem is a complex exploration of themes such as the nature of evil, redemption, and the possibility of love and compassion for even the most damned beings.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Tears (1898)
by Giuseppe Mentessi
Italian, 1857-1931 

Giuseppe Mentessi was an Italian painter who is often associated with the Symbolism and Realism art movements. Mentessi faced the tragedy of his father’s death early in life but managed to pursue his passion for art with the support of his mother. 

Mentessi’s work often addressed socio-economic issues and the subject of motherhood. He was known for his scenes that evoke strong emotions, such as poverty, hunger, and anti-militarism, especially during the First World War. His preferred medium was pastel, which he used to create delicate yet impactful works.

The painting “Tears,” created in 1898, is a poignant example of Mentessi’s ability to convey deep emotion through his art. The composition is unique, focusing on two hands clenched by irons trying to shake a weeping head, devoid of any physiognomic connotation. This choice emphasizes the drama and tension of the moment. The use of delicate chromatism, with shades of browns illuminated by blues and whites, adds to the emotional intensity of the piece. The painting is a testament to Mentessi’s skill in expressing feeling and narrative through his art, making him a significant figure in the transition from Realism to Symbolism in Italian painting.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Woman at a Mirror (c. 1850)
by Johann Mongels Culverhouse
Dutch, 1820-1895

Johann Mongels Culverhouse was a Dutch artist known for his “candlelight paintings,” which were nocturnal scenes illuminated by moonlight or candlelight, reflecting the tradition of 17th-century Dutch painting. He is also recognized for his genre subjects, including taverns, markets, and streets, which he continued to paint after moving to the United States around 1849.

“Woman at a Mirror” is a work that draws on the Dutch tradition of genre painting. Culverhouse’s painting captures the spirit of ordinary life, focusing on a woman looking at herself in the mirror. This scene is likely to emphasize themes of vanity, beauty, or self-reflection, common in genre paintings of the time.

The painting’s style, with its attention to the effects of light and shadow, as well as the detailed rendering of textures and materials, showcases Culverhouse’s skill and his adherence to the techniques and themes of his Dutch predecessors. “Woman at a Mirror” stands as a testament to Culverhouse’s ability to blend traditional Dutch artistry with his own unique perspective, creating works that appealed to both European and American audiences of his time.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Der Hass [Hatred] (1896)
by Pietro Pajetta
Italian, 1845-1911

Pietro Pajetta) was an Italian painter known for his genre art, which often depicted rustic and everyday scenes with a focus on the human condition. His works are characterized by an exuberance of feeling and a keen observation of life’s various facets.

“Der Hass” (Hatred), painted in 1896, is one of Pajetta’s more evocative works. It takes inspiration from Lorenzo Stecchetti’s “Canto dell’Odio” (Song of Hate), a poem that narrates the story of a rejected suitor who seeks revenge on the corpse of his beloved. The painting is a dark and powerful representation of hatred and vengeance, capturing the intensity of the suitor’s emotions as he enacts his revenge.

The artwork is notable for its dramatic composition and the raw emotion it conveys. Pajetta’s use of dark, muted colors and stark contrasts creates a haunting atmosphere that reflects the theme of the poem. The painting’s subject matter and its execution make it a compelling study of the darker aspects of human emotions and the lengths to which they can drive a person.

Pajetta’s life was marked by his service in the Italian army during the War of Italian Independence and his subsequent struggles with economic instability. Despite these challenges, he managed to create art that resonated with the public and earned him recognition at various exhibitions. “Der Hass” stands as a testament to his artistic talent and his ability to translate complex emotions into compelling visual narratives.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

The Plague (1900)
by Arnold Böcklin
Swiss, 1827-1901 

Arnold Böcklin was a Swiss Symbolist painter whose work is known for its powerful imagery of fantasy, mythology, and allegory. 

“The Plague” depicts a grim scene of Death, personified as a spectral figure, riding a bat-like creature through the streets of a medieval town. The painting is rendered in shades of pale green, often associated with decay, against a backdrop of black and dull browns. This color palette enhances the macabre atmosphere of the scene. The only vivid color is the red cloth of a woman in the mid-foreground, who lies across another victim of the plague, emphasizing the sudden and indiscriminate nature of death.

Böcklin’s fascination with themes of war, pestilence, and death is evident in this work, which reflects the anxieties of the late 19th century. His paintings often explore the darker aspects of the human psyche, presaging the Symbolism movement that would influence artists well into the 20th century.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Nymphs and Satyr (1873)
by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
French, 1825-1905 

William-Adolphe Bouguereau was a French academic painter known for his realistic genre paintings and modern interpretations of classical subjects, particularly emphasizing the female human body. 

“Nymphs and Satyr” depicts a group of nymphs who have surprised a satyr while bathing in a secluded pond. The nymphs, embodying both innocence and mischief, attempt to pull the reluctant satyr into the water. This scene is based on Greek mythology and captures a moment of playful yet seductive interaction between the creatures of the forest and the mythical satyr.

The composition is classical, with Bouguereau’s use of interconnected poses and careful sketches contributing to the painting’s rhythmic and realistic effect. The painting was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1873 and was accompanied by a verse from the Roman poet Publius Statius, which emphasizes the satyr’s hesitation to enter the water due to his inability to swim.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Serenade (1900)
by Arthur von Ramberg
Austrian, 1819-1875 

Arthur von Ramberg was an Austrian-born painter who worked primarily in Germany. Ramberg’s works often illustrated the writings of Goethe and Schiller, and he held professorships in Weimar and Munich.

“Serenade” is a painting that captures a moment of musical courtship, a common theme in genre painting. The serenade, typically performed in the evening or night, is a musical performance given to honor or express love for someone, often beneath their window. In Ramberg’s depiction, the scene is imbued with romantic sentiment, showcasing the artist’s skill in capturing the nuances of social interaction and emotion through his brushwork. 

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Cleopatra (c. 1890s)
by Wilhelm Kotarbiński
Polish (1848 - 1921)

Wilhelm Kotarbiński’s painting “Cleopatra” is a striking example of his work in the Art Nouveau style, which is known for its intricate designs and emphasis on curvilinear forms. The painting portrays Cleopatra, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, in a way that emphasizes her legendary beauty and seductive power, which have been subjects of fascination throughout history.

In the context of Art Nouveau, Kotarbiński  used flowing lines and organic forms to capture the sensuality and allure associated with Cleopatra. The use of color and composition would play a significant role in conveying the opulence and decadence of her court. Cleopatra is often depicted in art and literature surrounded by luxury and engaging in political machinations, and Kotarbiński’s painting reflects these themes.

Kotarbiński’s work is characterized by a blend of historical and fantastical elements, and his portrayal of Cleopatra would be no exception, blending historical accuracy with artistic imagination to create a compelling image that captures the viewer’s attention and invites them to explore the story behind the figure.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

In The Name of Humanity [In Naam der Menscheid] (1914)
by Johannes Leonardus Kleintjes (a.k.a. Jan L. Kleintjes)
Dutch, 1872-1955 

Johannes Leonardus Kleintjes is known for his genre, history, and landscape paintings. He married painter Hedwig Cecile Albertine van Osselin and he and his wife often exhibited their works together. After her death, Kleintjes painted still lifes of flowers as a tribute to her. 

“In Naam der Menschheid” (In the Name of Humanity) is a painting that was created in Brussels in February 1914, as noted by the artist on the back of the canvas. This work can be seen as a protest against the rising popularity of militarism and radical nationalism at the time. The tensions between countries in Europe, which this painting addresses, would lead to the outbreak of World War I later that summer.

The painting’s title itself, “In the Name of Humanity,” suggests a plea for compassion and reason in the face of growing militaristic fervor. Given the historical context and the symbolic nature of Kleintjes’ work, the painting likely serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of maintaining our shared humanity amidst political turmoil.

Matte Poster

Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink On archival matte paper Shipped in heavy duty poster tube Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base (9.5 mil), and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging.

• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink
• On archival matte paper
• Shipped in heavy duty poster tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm) and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging.

Le Répit (1893-1895)
by Valére Bernard
French, 1860-1936

Valère Bernard, also known as Valérie Bernard, was a Provençal painter and poet who expressed himself in the Occitan language. His graphic work is significant, and he is known for his contributions to symbolism, often exploring dark and macabre themes with an anti-war message. In his series of engravings titled “Guerro,” created between 1893 and 1895, he presents variations around the theme of death, inspired by Francisco Goya.

The title “Le Répit” translates to “The Respite,” suggesting a temporary pause or relief. The imagery of Death suckling a bat could symbolize the nurturing of something typically seen as sinister or ominous, perhaps indicating the cyclical nature of life and death. The bat, a creature of the night often associated with darkness and the macabre, being nurtured by Death, might represent the perpetuation of war and suffering.

In the context of symbolism, the piece would use visual metaphors to delve into the human psyche and the existential realities of mortality and war. Bernard’s use of such powerful imagery would invite viewers to reflect on the consequences of conflict and the transient nature of peace in times of war.

Matte Poster

• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in heavy-duty poster tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm) paper and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging.

Guerro #9 (1893-1895)
by Valére Bernard
French, 1860-1936

Valère Bernard, also known as Valérie Bernard, was a Provençal painter and poet who expressed himself in the Occitan language. His graphic work is significant, and he is known for his contributions to symbolism, often exploring dark and macabre themes with an anti-war message. In his series of engravings titled “Guerro,” created between 1893 and 1895, he presents variations around the theme of death, inspired by Francisco Goya.

The specific piece “Guerro #9” is a poignant representation of death, which is a recurring subject in Bernard’s work. The depiction of Death with a female body rowing a boat across water with a corpse is a powerful visual metaphor. It could symbolize the journey to the afterlife, reflecting the inevitability of death and the solitude that accompanies it. The use of a female figure for Death adds a layer of complexity, perhaps suggesting the nurturing aspect of nature or the final embrace of a motherly figure.

Bernard’s work, especially the “Guerro” series, is noted for its intense graphic quality and its ability to convey profound messages through stark, symbolic imagery. His art continues to resonate, as it speaks to universal themes of life, death, and the human condition.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Lady in Red (c. 1900)
by Talbot Hughes
English, 1869-1942 

Talbot Hughes was a British painter known for his genre, history, and landscape paintings. His work is characterized by a focus on the refinement of subject presentation, the depiction of idealized feminine beauty, and the tribulations of romantic love.

“Lady in Red” is a richly detailed work that captures the viewer’s attention through direct engagement and the presence of a musical element. The woman’s direct gaze suggests a personal connection with the viewer, inviting them into her world. The lute across her lap adds a layer of cultural and historical context, as this instrument is often associated with the arts and courtly love in historical paintings.

Hughes’ known attention to detail and skill in rendering different surfaces makes the textures of the marble, the fabric of the dress, and the wood of the lute stand out, contributing to the overall elegance of the composition.

This painting is typical for Hughes, who often features romantic and idealized depictions of women set against richly painted backdrops that reflect his interest in historical accuracy and his skill as a genre painter. 

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Grave of a Suicide Victim (1900)
by Wilhelm Kotarbiński (a.k.a. Vasily Alexandrovich Kotarbiński)
Polish, 1849-1921 

Wilhelm Kotarbiński was a Polish symbolist painter who spent most of his life in the Russian Empire. He was educated in Italy and moved to Kyiv early in his career. He is associated with the Art Nouveau movement. 

Kotarbiński’s work is known for its historical and fantastical subjects, and “Grave of a Suicide Victim” fits within this context as it explores the symbolic representation of a sensitive and possibly taboo subject for its time.

Symbolist artists often used subjects like the one in Kotarbiński’s painting to delve into themes of despair, death, and the afterlife. The somber tones and setting might evoke feelings of melancholy and introspection, inviting the audience to reflect on the value of life and the impact of societal pressures.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Dark Star (1925)
by Vasily Alexandrovich Kotarbinsky
Polish, 1848-1921

Vasily Alexandrovich Kotarbinsky was a Polish symbolist painter known for his historical and fantastical subjects. Kotarbinsky’s works often evoke a sense of mysticism and are rich in symbolic meaning. His paintings typically feature elements of mythology, religion, and history, rendered with a romantic and often melancholic tone.

“Dark Star” is a striking and symbolic black and white ink drawing depicting a multi-winged angel, possibly a seraphim, one of the most powerful angels in Christian iconography and associated with purity, light, and closeness with God. 

Here, however, the angel is depicted in black attire, along with an intense gaze and a black star hovering above. This could suggest a complex interplay between light and darkness, purity and mystery. The rock against which she leans may represent stability or the enduring nature of the divine, while the fog or smoke at knee height adds an element of the ethereal or the transient. It speaks to the strength and enigmatic qualities of the angelic figure, perhaps hinting at the dual nature of existence, where the celestial and the earthly meet.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Angel in a Cemetery
by Vasily Alexandrovich Kotarbinsky
Polish, 1848-1921

Vasily Alexandrovich Kotarbinsky was a Polish symbolist painter known for his historical and fantastical subjects. Kotarbinsky’s works often evoke a sense of mysticism and are rich in symbolic meaning. His paintings typically feature elements of mythology, religion, and history, rendered with a romantic and often melancholic tone.

In "Angel in a Cemetery" The six-winged angel, which could be interpreted as a seraphim based on biblical descriptions, hovering in a cemetery beside a river, suggests a scene filled with symbolism. The seraphim are known to be the highest order of angels, often associated with light and purity. 

Kotarbinsky’s choice to depict the angel as ghost-like could imply the ethereal and otherworldly nature of spiritual beings, as well as the thin veil between life and death. This artwork likely evokes contemplation on mortality, the soul’s journey, and the hope of divine presence even in the final resting place. Such a piece would be rich in emotional and spiritual depth, inviting viewers to reflect on the profound themes it represents.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Satan in the Frozen Lake (1870)
by Jean-Édouard (Yan') Dargent
French, (1824-1899)

Jean-Édouard Dargent, known as Yan’ Dargent and in his later years Yann Dargent, was a French painter and illustrator known for works characterized by detailed and dramatic visual storytelling. His illustrations and paintings have been appreciated for their historical and mythical representations.

In Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno,” (from the "Divine Comedy") the significance of Satan being trapped in the frozen lake, known as Lake Cocytus, lies in the symbolic representation of his punishment. This lake forms the ninth and lowest circle of Hell, where the worst sinners, those who committed treachery against God, are punished. The lake is said to be frozen due to the tears of Lucifer and the flapping of his wings, which keeps it perpetually icy.

Satan himself is depicted as a giant demon, immobilized up to his waist in the ice, signifying his complete impotence and isolation in the depths of Hell. He has three faces and bat-like wings, and his presence in the frozen lake serves as a stark contrast to the fiery perception of Hell that is commonly held.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Scherzo di Follia ["Game of Madness"] (c. 1863-1866)
Portrait of Countess Virginia Oldoini Verasis di Castiglione
by Pierre-Louis Pierson
French, 1822-1913

Pierre-Louis Pierson was renowned for his exquisite portrait photography. His photography studio was frequented by much of Paris high society, businessmen, and visiting diplomats. He was also the portrait photographer of the French imperial family during the apex of the Second Empire.

Many people from all walks of life and economic backgrounds posed in front of Pierson's lens, but most enduring collaboration was with the Countess of Castiglione, Virginia Oldoini Verasias, a woman who defied societal norms and expectations. He first met her in 1856, and he remained her official photographer for forty years.

Born in 1835, the Countess became a sensation in Paris in the 1850s. Her allure and beauty captured the attention of Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew, Napoleon III, and she swiftly became his mistress and a much-talked-about ornament of the lavish balls during that period. After the fall of the Second Empire in 1870, she led an increasingly secluded existence, shrouded in veils, and her mental stability declined.

In this photograph, Countess Verasis gazes at the camera through an oval picture frame, isolating one of her eyes. The composition is both enigmatic and intriguing. The title, “Scherzo di Follia” (which translates to “Game of Madness”), adds to the mystery. Is it a playful game or a deeper exploration of her psyche?

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

"Tubulariae" [Hydra] (1904)
plate 67 from Kunstformen der Natur by Ernst Haeckel

Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) was a German zoologist and naturalist who described and named thousands of new species and created many terms used today in biology. His work of over one hundred illustrations of animals and sea creatures, Kunstformen der Natur ("Art forms in Nature"), would go on to influence the Art Nouveau artistic movement. 

The Hydra is a genus of freshwater organisms belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. The Hydra is characterized by its cylindrical body, tentacles, and mouth. It belongs to the group of cnidarians, which also includes jellyfish and corals. These simple, tubular animals are part of the class Hydrozoa. Haeckel’s illustrations capture the delicate beauty of these tiny organisms. The intricate details of the Hydra’s structure are highlighted in the artwork.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Śmierć (1902)
by Jacek Malczewski
Polish (1854-1929)

Jacek Malczewski is one of the most important Polish symbolist painters. Malczewski is associated with the Young Poland movement (Młoda Polska), a modernist period in Polish culture following more than a century of Partitions of Poland. Therefore Polish martyrdom, romantic ideas of independence, local folklore, and death were recurrent motifs in Malczewski’s oeuvre.

This hopeful message certainly bears some religious undertones. Look at this old man: he seems to be ready to die, his head turned towards death and his neck tense. His hands clutched in prayer, his fingers fiddling with a small medallion with Virgin Mary, something that many Polish Catholics wear even today.

Death looks almost like a Greek goddess. However, it’s difficult to understand her facial expression: is she feeling pity for this old man? Or is she just focused on doing her job?

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Crow on a Cloudy Day
by Unknown 

A striking photograph of a soaring crow against a stormy sky. 

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Orpheus Returning from the Shades (1885)
by Sir William Blake Richmond (England, 1842-1921)

This painting depicts the Greek hero Orpheus at the moment of anguish after his failed attempt to rescue his wife, Eurydice, from death and the underworld. 

Orpheus was a character in many Greek epics and was described as having superhuman musical skills. Orpheus joined the expedition of the Argonauts and saved the crew from the Sirens by playing his own, more powerful music. On his return, he married Eurydice, but she was soon killed by a venomous snake. Overwhelmed by grief, Orpheus traveled to the land of the dead to meet with Hades and plead for her return. Hades was so touched by Orpheus' story and music that he agreed to allow Eurydice to return on one condition: neither she nor Orpheus must look back during their journey to the land of the living. 

As the couple approached the opening, Orpheus caught sight of the sun and, in his excitement, turned to face Eurydice to share his relief with her. It was in that moment that she disappeared forever.  

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Illustration of the Devil, from "La Poule aux Oeufs D'or" (Goose with the Golden Egg) (1850)
by Paul Henrion

This illustration depicts a demon, or the Devil himself, in an elaborate costume. This illustration appeared alongside sheet music for the French musical play, "La Poule aux Oeufs D'or" and may have been a suggestion for a costume design.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Samurai, Yokohama (1866)
Photograph by Felice Beato (Italy, 1825-1903)

Felice Beato was one of the first people to take photographs in East Asia and one of the first war photographers. His travels allowed him to share images of countries, people, and places that were unfamiliar to people in Europe and North America. 

This Japanese Samurai may have been one of the last ever photographed, as the samurai social class was abolished two years later in 1868 as a result of the Meiji Restoration, marking the end of the Edo period in Japan. 

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Jean Simmons as Ophelia in Laurence Olivier's "Hamlet" (1948)
by Universal Pictures

Black and white promotional photo depicting actress Jean Simmons as "Ophelia" in Laurence Olivier's 1948 film adaptation of the famous Shakespeare play "Hamlet". This print is a beautiful example of 1940s Hollywood glamour.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

The Power of Death (1889-90)
by William Holbrook Beard (United States, 1825-1900)

In William Holbrook Beard’s painting “The Power of Death,” the embodiment of Death is depicted in a powerful struggle, firmly clasping the neck of a fiercely struggling tiger. Unlike the typical portrayals of Death’s serene approach to claim a life, this scene mirrors the tiger’s intense turmoil. The foot of Death is triumphantly placed upon an elephant, symbolizing an absolute conquest over the colossal creature. In the backdrop, the carcasses of other formidable predators lay defeated, illustrating the inevitable supremacy of Death over all, regardless of their strength or ferocity.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Trochilidae [Hummingbirds] (1904)
plate 99 from Kunstformen der Natur by Ernst Haeckel

Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) was a German zoologist and naturalist who described and named thousands of new species and created many terms used today in biology. His work of over one hundred illustrations of animals and sea creatures, Kunstformen der Natur ("Art forms in Nature"), would go on to influence the Art Nouveau artistic movement. 

This plate, Trochilidae, depicts many species of Hummingbirds, including the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Horned Sungem, Crimson Topaz, Red-tailed Comet, Tufted Coquette, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Dot-eared Coquette, White-vented Violetear, Hooded Visorbearer, Juan Fernandez Firecrown, and the Booted Racket-tail. 

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging

Witches' Flight (Vuelo de Brujas) (1798)
Painting by Francisco Goya (Spain, 1746-1828)

At center point are three semi-nude witches wearing penitential coroza bearing aloft a writhing nude figure, their mouths close to their victim, as if to devour him or suck his blood. Below, two figures in peasants' garb recoil from the spectacle: one has thrown himself to the ground covering his ears, the other attempts to escape by covering himself with a blanket, making the fig hand gesture to ward off the evil eye. Finally, a donkey emerges on the right, seemingly oblivious to the rest of the scene.

The general scholarly consensus is that the painting represents a rationalist critique of superstition and ignorance, particularly in religious matters: the witches' corozas are not only emblematic of the violence of the Spanish Inquisition (the upward flames indicate that they have been condemned as unrepentant heretics and will be burned at the stake), but are also reminiscent of episcopal mitres, bearing the characteristic double points. The accusations of religious tribunals are thus reflected back on themselves, whose actions are implicitly equated with superstition and ritualized sacrifice. The bystanders can then be understood either as appalled but unable to do anything or willfully ignorant and unwilling to intervene.

The donkey, finally, is the traditional symbol of ignorance.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging