Title: Pickman’s Model
Author: H.P. Lovecraft
First published October 1, 1927
66 pages, ebook
Rating: 3.84
Overview
“Pickman’s Model” by H.P. Lovecraft is a chilling tale that delves into the life of Richard Upton Pickman, a painter whose works are both mesmerizing and terrifying. Despite his undeniable talent, Pickman’s graphic and disturbing images lead to his expulsion from the Boston Art Club and alienation from his fellow artists.
As the story unfolds, the true source of Pickman’s inspiration is revealed, leading to a horrifying revelation that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. This gripping tale is a must-read for fans of horror and the macabre.
About the Author
Howard Phillips Lovecraft was an American author who wrote horror, fantasy, and science fiction. He is known for creating cosmic horror, where life and the universe are incomprehensible to human minds.
Lovecraft’s protagonists often struggle with their own sanity as they try to understand the alien world around them. He is famous for inventing the Cthulhu Mythos, a series of stories that feature a pantheon of entities that are indifferent to human life, as well as the Necronomicon, a book of forbidden magic.
Lovecraft’s works challenged the values of Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Christianity with their pessimism and cynicism. His characters achieve a different kind of enlightenment by glimpsing the horror of the universe’s true nature.
Although Lovecraft’s readership was small during his lifetime, he has become one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century. Many consider him to be on par with Edgar Allan Poe in terms of his impact on the genre.
Editoral Review
“Pickman’s Model” by H.P. Lovecraft is a classic horror story that was first published on October 1, 1927. The author, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, was an influential figure in the horror genre, known for his vivid descriptions of otherworldly creatures and his use of cosmic horror.
Lovecraft’s works have inspired countless writers and filmmakers over the years, and his influence can be seen in many modern horror stories.
The story is set in Boston and centers around a struggling artist named Richard Upton Pickman. Pickman is known for his macabre paintings that depict grotesque, otherworldly creatures.
His work is shunned by the mainstream art world, but he has a small group of admirers who are fascinated by his bizarre creations.
The story is told from the perspective of a friend of Pickman’s named Thurber, who is initially intrigued by Pickman’s work. However, as Thurber learns more about the artist’s methods and the source of his inspiration, he begins to feel a growing sense of unease.
Without giving away too much of the plot, “Pickman’s Model” is a chilling tale of the dangers of obsession and the horrors that can lurk in the shadows of the human psyche. Lovecraft’s writing is masterful, drawing the reader into a world of creeping dread with his vivid descriptions and haunting imagery.
One of the strengths of “Pickman’s Model” is the character development. Lovecraft does an excellent job of creating complex, multi-dimensional characters that feel like real people.
Pickman, in particular, is a fascinating character, and the reader is left wondering about his motivations and the true nature of his work.
The pacing of the story is also excellent, with a gradual build-up of tension that culminates in a thrilling and satisfying climax. Lovecraft’s use of imagery is also noteworthy, with his descriptions of the creatures in Pickman’s paintings sending shivers down the reader’s spine.
One potential weakness of the story is its reliance on racism and xenophobia. Lovecraft was known for his problematic attitudes towards race and ethnicity, and this is reflected in some of the language and imagery used in “Pickman’s Model”.
While it is important to acknowledge and critique these issues, it is also possible to appreciate the story for its other merits.
Overall, “Pickman’s Model” is a must-read for fans of horror fiction. Its timeless themes of obsession and the unknown continue to resonate with readers today, and Lovecraft’s masterful storytelling is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
However, it is important to approach the story with a critical eye and to acknowledge its flaws. With that in mind, I would give “Pickman’s Model” a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
