Diableries (1928-1929)

Frits van den Berghe's painting "Diableries" is an evocative and turbulent expression of dark fantasy captured in oil on canvas. Created between 1928 and 1929, this work is a powerful manifestation of the Belgian artist’s exploration of psychological themes and his fascination with the surreal and the grotesque.At first glance, "Diableries" confronts the viewer with a chaotic whirl of figures, depicted in a dynamic and almost violent interaction. The painting features several demonic figures entangled in what appears to be a frenzied dance. Dominated by shades of gray, black, and white against a backdrop that pulses with dark reds and muted blues, the palette adds to the nightmarish quality of the scene.Van den Berghe uses a combination of rough textures and swirling brushstrokes to infuse the painting with movement and intensity. The demons themselves are grotesquely formed, with exaggerated limbs and features, which emphasize their supernatural and menacing character. This artistic choice suggests a struggle or rebellion, a theme that aligns with the artist’s intrigue by the human psyche and the conflicts inherent within."Diableries" is more than a simple portrayal of demonic figures; it is an exploration into the depths of the human condition, the subconscious fears and the darker sides of human fantasy. This painting invites the viewers to reflect on their own inner turmoil and the universal themes of conflict and resolution.This intriguing piece serves as a spectacular example of early 20th-century Belgian art and its lean towards expressionism and surrealism.