Habeas Corpus 2006

"Habeas Corpus" is a 2006 painting by Bo Bartlett, known for his figurative and narrative work. The painting depicts a complex scene with multiple figures, seemingly in a public space, with an unsettling air of suspense. A young boy stands naked, almost detached from the others, while a figure dressed in black struggles to pull a rope, suggesting a potential act of violence. The title references the legal principle of "habeas corpus", which deals with the right to challenge unlawful imprisonment, adding a layer of political and social commentary to the painting. Bartlett's masterful use of realistic details and evocative composition creates a powerful visual narrative, leaving viewers to ponder the meaning behind the scene and the motivations of its characters.