Idolen (spoken) (from 1928 until 1929)

Idolen (spoken) is a compelling artwork by the Belgian expressionist Frits van den Berghe, created between 1928 and 1929. This painting plunges viewers into a world of eerie symbolism and enigmatic characters, reflecting the artist's deep exploration of the human psyche and the darker corners of existential thought.The canvas features three peculiar figures that dominate the scene. On the left, an almost spectral form appears to be moving or dancing, with its body twisted in an unnatural pose, topped with a grotesque, mask-like face and a smaller figure riding upon its shoulders. This haunting depiction might symbolize the burdens and demons that humanity carries.To the right, two more figures are presented, both strikingly different yet equally disturbing. One appears dressed in a dark suit, with a modern, almost detached face that contrasts sharply with the raw emotion of the other characters. Adjacent to this figure stands another bizarre creature, sporting what appears to be a mask resembling a goat’s head, a common symbol of pagan idolatry and perhaps a nod to the painting’s title, hinting at false prophets or misleading leaders in society.The use of muted, earthy tones throughout the painting, combined with rough textures and visible brushstrokes, enhances the overall sense of decay and ancient weight, suggesting themes of times gone by and the cyclical nature of human follies.Idolen (spoken) is a testament to Frits van den Berghe’s mastery in depicting the complexities of human emotions and societal critiques through a distinctly surreal and expressionistic style.