The provided text discusses the concept of "cursed images" and how they've been portrayed in various forms of media such as literature, films, and real-life events. The author begins by presenting the idea that these images are connected to a series of mysterious and often tragic events.
The author then discusses a series of supposedly cursed images, including the portrait of Mariya Lopukhina and the painting "The Scream" by Edvard Munch. They provide detailed accounts of these images and the events linked to them, often emphasizing the supposed supernatural elements.
However, the author then critically analyzes these accounts, pointing out inconsistencies and lack of concrete evidence. For instance, they note that the supposed curse of the "cursed boy" image was actually a hoax invented by the publishers of a newspaper. Similarly, they debunk the claim that the "cursed" paintings of Edvard Munch caused physical harm to their viewers, arguing that these incidents were coincidences and not the result of the paintings' supposed curse.
The author concludes by asserting that these stories are mere urban legends that have been deeply ingrained in people's minds. They argue that while art can indeed affect our mental state, the idea of cursed images causing physical harm or death is not supported by any concrete evidence. They also suggest that these stories continue to circulate because they are intriguing and often result in increased interest in the artworks in question.
1. The document discusses the concept of "cursed images" which are said to cause sudden deaths, madness, and house fires.
2. These "cursed images" are often featured in horror movies, scarry videos on YouTube, and terrifying stories on forums.
3. The document mentions several real-life stories of such "cursed images", including the portrait of Nikolai Gogol and the portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.
4. The document also mentions the short story "The Road Virus Heads North" by Steven King, which features a terrifying picture that can change.
5. The document describes a method of finding truthful information by examining popular stories, particularly those that are part of a common belief.
6. The document discusses the story of the portrait of Mariya Lopukhina, which is said to have killed the subject of the portrait.
7. The document also discusses the story of the "crying boy" portrait, which is said to have caused the subject of the portrait to die from pneumonia.
8. The document mentions that the canvas of the "crying boy" portrait was damaged in a fire but was not consumed by it.
9. The document discusses the story of the artist Anna Zinkeisen and her "crying boy" portrait, which was said to have caused the death of the subject of the portrait.
10. The document mentions the story of the painting "The Scream" by Edvard Munch, which is said to have driven the artist mad.
11. The document also discusses the story of the painting "The Dead Mother" by Munch, which is said to have caused the eyes of the figure in the painting to follow viewers.
12. The document mentions that the painting "The Dead Mother" was explained by scientists as an optical illusion.
13. The document discusses the story of the painting "The Hands Resist Him" by Bill Stoneham, which is said to depict spirits that come to life at night.
14. The document mentions that the painting "The Hands Resist Him" was said to have caused the death of several people who were connected to it.
15. The document discusses the story of the painting "The Hands Resist Him" from a skeptical perspective, stating that the painting was likely a hoax and that the artist, Bill Stoneham, was still alive and painting.
16. The document ends with a discussion of an auction for a "cursed painting" with a starting bid of 12 dollars.