Influenced by the spooky, macabre gothic novels of 18t century England, artists of the time were quick to use these creepy tales as inspiration for art that was both frightening and fascinating…

The Angel of the Odd exhibition is intriguing, with 200 paintings, sculptures and drawings on show, together with a dozen films from the period between the Wars.

“Dark romanticism” was fashionable in Europe for over a hundred years, starting in the late 18th century. With influences such as Edgar Allen Poe and Charles Baudelaire, it studied myths, explored the realm of dreams and wasn’t afraid to shock with frankly gory images.

In fact, the influence can still be felt nowadays in horror films and certain video games.

There are a series of conferences based around the exhibition, a cycle of films (including some silent movies accompanied by a spooky organ!), workshops for kids and teenagers, and family visits some Saturdays.

A catalogue is also available  (304 pages, 289 illustrations, 45€ at amazon here).

The exhibition The Angel of the Odd – Dark Romanticism from Goya to Max Ernst is at the Musée d’Orsay (here) until 23rd June 2013

Open every day except Mondays from 9.30am – 6pm (9.45pm Thursdays)

Admission: 9€ / 6.50€

Official site: www.musee-orsay.fr

Facebook: facebook.com/museedorsay

Twitter: twitter.com/MuseeOrsay

Google+: here