Spider 

This is Theodor Severin Kittelsen's drawing of a spider, made in Norway during the late 19th and early 20th century. Kittelsen was a celebrated artist known for his dark and romantic depictions of Norwegian folklore and landscapes. In this stark image, Kittelsen draws upon a historical fascination with the macabre. The spider, rendered with a skull-like face, is a potent symbol. It reflects anxieties about mortality and decay, themes that resonated deeply in a rapidly changing society. The rigid lines of the web highlight a sense of entrapment and the predatory nature of existence. The drawing can be seen as a reflection of social power dynamics, where some individuals or groups are caught in the webs of others. Kittelsen's work invites us to consider the darker aspects of the human condition, and the emotional weight of societal structures. It speaks to the human experience of grappling with fear, vulnerability, and the inevitable passage of time.