The Way of Things 

Erik Thor Sandberg's painting, The Way of Things, presents us with a disquieting scene rendered in meticulous detail. The smooth, almost porcelain-like skin of the figures contrasts starkly with the violent act depicted. The composition is structured around a bizarre ritual: an old man attempts to cut off his beard while two children assault dead squirrels, all set against an idyllic garden backdrop. This juxtaposition creates a sense of unease, challenging conventional notions of beauty and innocence. The artist uses a clear, precise line and a muted palette, reminiscent of early Renaissance painting, yet the subject matter subverts this classical aesthetic. Sandberg destabilizes the traditional symbols of pastoral harmony, and his work prompts us to question the underlying structures of meaning that shape our understanding of art and culture. The painting unsettles us and leaves us pondering the darker undercurrents of human existence.