Collection: Spectacular

Since Aristotle, spectacle and catharsis have been closely linked. Negative emotions encountered in real life are purged by witnessing them put on display — fear, danger, pity, despair. Aristotle’s notion of phantasia thus allows a reversal of the passions and brings relief to the soul.

An emotionally charged painting becomes therapeutic: whether a scene of pathos centered on the human figure or a tormented landscape, art absorbs our sorrowful passions.