Ghostly Skeleton Trying to Strangle a Sick Child | Richard Tennant Cooper | 20th Century

 "Ghostly Skeleton Trying to Strangle a Sick Child" by Richard Tennant Cooper, is a haunting portrayal of a spectral figure visiting a young girl as she sleeps. Created in the early 20th century, the artwork embodies a dark, symbolic view of illness and death. The skeleton, representing the specter of disease or death, reaches out with bony fingers to the vulnerable child lying in bed, wrapped in blankets, with an almost peaceful expression, unaware of the looming danger. The ghostly figure is rendered in muted tones that blend with the dimly lit, somber room, amplifying the sense of fear and helplessness.

The details in the room, such as the steaming cup on the table, the dark cat watching with a startled gaze, and the child's toys and belongings scattered nearby, add depth to the story. These items imply a scene of illness and care, with the skeleton symbolizing the omnipresent fear of death during times of illness, especially in a period when many childhood diseases were fatal. This artwork powerfully captures the early 20th-century anxieties about health and mortality, using the imagery of a ghostly visitation to represent the fragility of life.

Frame:

Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age.

All framed prints feature our premium fine art paper. This is a museum-quality paper which reproduces photography and artworks with exceptional tonality and renders sharp details with consistent flatness and accuracy.

Print: 

For the matted / mounted prints we use a thick 1.4mm window mount cut from premium, textured mountboard. All mounts are "conservation grade", FSC certified, 100% acid free, and will not discolour or fade with age.

• Simple, elegant design
• Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface
• Handmade by specialist picture framers
• FSC certified off-white mat / window mount
• Delivered ready for hanging