The Night Mare 1782

"The Night Mare" is an 1782 engraving by Laurede, depicting a woman asleep in her bed, tormented by a demonic figure. The figure, a grotesque demon with a horse's head, sits on the woman's chest, clutching her throat with a claw. The woman's expression is one of fear and distress, highlighting the horrifying and unsettling nature of nightmares. This image captures the anxieties and fears associated with sleep, popularized by the writings of William Shakespeare and John Milton. The use of a single, dominant color palette intensifies the dramatic lighting and creates a haunting atmosphere.