The Picture Of Dorian Clown
There are many children who are afraid of clowns. Not me. I just don’t like clowns. My bodyguard Klaatu, has even had to punch out a few when they have come too close to me.
But there are few adults that suffer a severe fear of clowns. The name for this rare condition is Coulrophobia, the excessive fear of clowns.
Paintings of clowns may not bring about fear so much as repulsion. How anyone could appreciate unfunny comedian Red Skelton or his art, often involving self portraits of him dressed as a clown has always been a mystery to me.
What is worse than a painting of one clown?
A bad painting of four clowns.
While recently in Maine, I stumbled across this monstrosity. If you wish to possibly induce a case of Coulrophobia in someone here is a prime candidate.
Bad Painting of Four Clowns
The artist’s name is illegible: Davis / Davie/ David Phucok? I should have looked at the back for a clearer name, possible title and date. For a mere $195 you can purchase the painting – maybe for a child’s bedroom and contemplate the future nightmares you may be bestowing upon your giftee. Imagine looking at this group of clowns before closing your eyes every night?
For some reason the clown painting reminded me of the “sinful” portrait in the 1945 film The Picture of Dorian Gray based upon Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel. There was also an “innocent” Dorian portrait.
This is what the “innocent” painting executed for the film by Henrique Medina looks like.
At the beginning of the movie, Dorian is good and kind and his painting reflects that. The painting is a accurate depiction of Hurd Hatfield, the actor who plays Dorian Gray. (The painting with a $5,000-$8,000 estimate, sold at Christie’s auction house in New York for $149,000 in 2015.)
Dorian himself doesn’t age or change, and the painting does. The painting has a life of its own and takes on all of Dorian’s vices and evil ways as he commits them. The sins then appear in grotesque fashion onto his portrait and change Dorian’s painted appearance. This “sinful” painting of Dorian Gray was created by Ivan Albright and can be seen at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Comparing “sinful” Dorian Gray to the Maine clown painting, I see Dorian Clown.
The four clowns have already been transformed into frightening bogeymen. While this clown painting might have appealed to John Wayne Gacy, he can’t buy it because he’s dead.
The clown painting is available at Arundel Antique shop.
