When we think of monsters today, we perhaps think of digitally rendered behemoths in the latest Hollywood summer movie. Or perhaps of real-life monsters lurking in the oceans - and we know there are real monsters down there.
Yet there's been a tradition of depicting monsters in art, long before movies were invented. For example, an early 'trope' involved lurid depictions of hell - Christian or otherwise - with all the nasty creatures therein that ensured the inmates had an equally unpleasant time of it.
Another rich source of monsters is art produced during the two world wars. Artists found themselves aghast at rampant militarism and the monster human nature itself seemed to have become. Many artists used monsters to depict their own personal demons, whether stirred up by world events or more personal tribulations.
Whatever your feelings on the subject of monsters, there's a fascinating website that collates monster art from many different sources into a fascinating list. Please note: some of the images are extreme, so caution is advised.
http://monsterbrains.blogspot.com/
For a peak at some great Japanese monster art from the 19th century, check out this out!
Samurai fighting giant salamander
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