Afgehakt hoofd en brandende kaars 1895

Henri-Charles Guérard’s 1895 etching "Afgehakt hoofd en brandende kaars" (Severed Head and Burning Candle) depicts a man’s head, seemingly severed, laying on a table with a lit candle. The dark, shadowy setting and the gruesome subject matter create a somber and unsettling atmosphere. The stark contrast between the white candle flame and the dark background emphasizes the macabre nature of the scene. This artwork reflects the dark themes and symbolism that were prevalent in the late 19th century.