“Black Mass,” created by Alfred Kubin in 1905, belongs to the Symbolism movement and is a symbolic painting. The artwork presents a haunting and evocative scene characteristic of Kubin’s oeuvre.
The artwork depicts a procession of dark-robed figures, arranged in a tightly knit group, moving in a collective manner. Each figure is holding a candle, casting dim light against the shadowy, foreboding backdrop. The background is rendered with shades of gray and black, creating an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. The figures appear almost ghostly, with indistinct features and an air of solemnity, possibly suggesting a ritualistic or ceremonial gathering. The overall composition evokes a sense of mystery, unease, and introspection, typical of symbolic and existential themes explored within the Symbolism movement.
