Exploring the Dark World of Cabinet of Curiosities: A Dive into Pickman's Art

Greetings from the sunny island! This week, I’m diving into a fascinating journey with Cabinet of Curiosities on Netflix, a series that delves into the works of one of H.P. Lovecraft's most intriguing characters: Richard Upton Pickman. Let’s unpack this tale of horror and reveal the mysteries that lurk within his dark paintings.

About the Series: Cabinet of Curiosities

Based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft, Cabinet of Curiosities takes us on a chilling ride through the world of art and horror. The fifth episode, “Pickman’s Model,” is a mesmerizing exploration of Pickman’s creative vision and the dark secrets behind his work.

The Story of Pickman’s Model

The episode centers around the fictional artist Richard Upton Pickman, portrayed as a controversial and brilliant Bostonian painter known for his ghoulish and nightmarish works. Pickman’s fame stems from his captivating yet disturbing paintings, which serve as a thinly veiled gateway to the horrors beyond our reality.

Pickman’s Background and Art

Richard Upton Pickman’s legacy is shrouded in mystery and darkness. His great-great-great-great-grandmother was hanged for witchcraft during the Salem witch trials of 1692—a detail that adds a supernatural element to his lineage. This background hints at a lineage of artistic and spiritual influence, intertwining the mundane with the absurd.

Thurber’s Role and Witnessing the Horror

The narrator, Thurber, is a friend of Pickman and the only witness to Pickman’s terrifying journey into the dark unknown. In the episode, Thurber accompanies Pickman on a tour of the artist’s hidden gallery, a place where the lines between reality and nightmare blur. This visit to Pickman’s studio is a pivotal moment, both for Pickman and the viewer, as it reveals the depths of his inspiration and the horrors that drive his art.

The Final Painting and Pickman’s Reveal

The story culminates in a massive painting by Pickman, a scene so horrific that it borders on surrealism. The painting depicts a monstrous humanoid chewing on a human victim, with red eyes staring with malice. This painting serves as the climax of Pickman’s artistic journey, revealing the truth behind his inspiration. It turns out that Pickman’s subjects are not just figments of his imagination but real, monstrous entities haunt the city streets and hidden corners of Boston.

H.P. Lovecraft’s Broader Influence

The story of “Pickman’s Model” is not an isolated narrative but a part of H.P. Lovecraft’s broader universe of horror. It features several Lovecraft characters who develop phobias as a result of their horrific experiences. Thurber, for example, develops a fear of subways and other underground spaces, mirroring the anxieties depicted in other Lovecraft stories. These fears are not just psychological but deeply rooted in the physical landscape of the city, making the setting as much a character as any other in the story.

Locations and Inspiration

Lovecraft’s writings are rich with details, and “Pickman’s Model” is no exception. The tale is set in the North End of Boston, a neighborhood with actual streets like Henchman Street, Charter Street, and Greenough Lane. Lovecraft visited the area with Donald Wandrei and found inspiration in the authentic buildings and streets that gave rise to his fictional narratives. The episode’s reference to these real locations adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making the horror feel more than just a work of fiction.

Conclusion

If you’re intrigued by the dark and captivating world of horror, Cabinet of Curiosities: Pickman’s Model is definitely worth a watch. It’s not just a story of art and imagination; it’s a journey into the horrors that lurk in the shadows of our reality. Whether you’re a fan of H.P. Lovecraft’s works or simply a lover of dark tales, this episode is sure to captivate you.

Head over to Netflix and experience the thrill of discovering what truly lies beneath the surface. Dive into the dark, delve into the mysterious, and join us on this chilling adventure!