When you dive into 10 history 8217, you uncover a parade of audacious tricksters who turned deception into an art form. From 19th‑century street hustlers to early‑20th‑century masters of the long con, these ten figures rewrote the rulebook on how to bilk the rich, the gullible, and sometimes even the most vigilant authorities—all while flashing a smile.

10 History 8217: A Quick Overview of the Art of the Con

The confidence game, or “con,” thrives on charm, timing, and an uncanny ability to read people. Each of the characters below built a reputation by weaving elaborate ruses, employing props, fabricated identities, and even scientific‑sounding jargon to convince their marks they were making a smart investment. Their stories illuminate how a simple promise of profit can become a full‑blown theatrical production.

1 Victor Lustig

Victor Lustig earned infamy as the only criminal ever to sell the Eiffel Tower—twice. He later duped notorious gangster Al Capone and peddled a useless tin box as a miracle money‑making device. During his trial, a Secret Service agent dubbed him “the smoothest con man that ever lived.”

Born in the obscure town of Hostinne within Austria‑Hungary in 1890, Lustig claimed a pauper’s upbringing, though no records could verify his story. He began with petty scams before graduating to work on transatlantic ocean liners, where he refined the “money box” con: a deceptive device advertised as a radium‑powered copier of $100 bills, but in reality it merely dispensed a handful of genuine notes before becoming a paperweight.

In Paris, Lustig masqueraded as a government official eager to sell the Eiffel Tower for scrap. He arranged a clandestine meeting with several metal dealers, delivering a performance so convincing that the highest bidder handed over the tower’s price plus a bribe. He repeated the ruse, but the second attempt attracted police attention, prompting his hurried escape from France.

Relocating to the United States, Lustig assembled a counterfeiting ring that produced fake $100 bills so convincing they fooled bank tellers and threatened public confidence in the dollar. Arrested in 1935, he briefly escaped custody, only to be recaptured and sentenced to twenty years at Alcatraz.

2 Reed Waddell

Born into affluence in Springfield, Illinois, Reed “Kid” Waddell seemed destined for a respectable life until a gambling addiction severed his family’s financial support in his early twenties.

By 1880, Waddell had migrated to New York City and entered the world of “green goods,” a scam that lured gamblers with flyers promising “perfect” counterfeit currency. Victims paid for money that never materialized, and the law offered little recourse.

Waddell’s claim to fame was the invention of the gold‑brick swindle. He would take a lead ingot, plate it in gold, stamp it with official markings, and even embed a small plug of genuine gold that he later removed to show a jeweler for “authentication.” He sold these faux bars for thousands, targeting wealthy farmers who believed they could double or triple their investment.

In the 1890s, Waddell partnered with fellow grifter Tom O’Brien and moved operations to Paris. Their partnership soured in 1895 during a heated argument over money, resulting in O’Brien shooting Waddell dead.

3 John St. John Long

John St. John Long, an Irish‑born charlatan, began his career as an artist before discovering that quack medicine paid far better than canvases.

In 1826, Long announced a miracle cure for consumption (tuberculosis). His regimen involved two secret chemicals: one inhaled as vapor, the other rubbed onto the chest and back. The topical lotion contained turpentine, which created a painful sore that Long claimed drew the disease to the surface, allowing it to escape the body.

Long’s handsome demeanor and persuasive charm earned him a thriving practice on London’s Harley Street. In 1830, he was tried for the death of a patient and found guilty of manslaughter, receiving a £250 fine paid on the spot. A month later, another patient died, but Long was acquitted.

Despite the medical community branding him the “Handsome Hoaxer of Harley Street,” Long retained wealthy, influential friends. He died in 1834, reportedly from a riding accident, though some tales claim he succumbed to consumption after refusing his own treatment.

4 William Elmer Mead

William Elmer Mead earned the moniker “The Christian Kid” because he lived a strictly sober, church‑going lifestyle, despite pulling off cons worth over $2 million across a four‑decade career.

Mead pioneered the “magic wallet” trick: he and a mark would discover a wallet stuffed with cash or important documents, only to learn it belonged to an accomplice. After returning the wallet, the con artist would feign gratitude and propose a seemingly lucrative deal.

In 1910, as Halley’s Comet approached, Mead targeted a wealthy contractor. He and the contractor found the wallet, returned it to a shill, and were invited to lunch where Mead posed as a sports promoter. He suggested leasing stadiums during the off‑season for comet‑watching crowds, an idea the contractor enthusiastically endorsed.

The shill and Mead then cashed a generous check, repeating the scheme multiple times before the comet’s passage ended. Their “Halley’s Comet” con remained one of the most audacious uses of a celestial event to swindle money.

5 Lou Blonger

Lou Blonger was born in 1849 in Vermont and enlisted in the Union Army at just fourteen. After the Civil War, he reunited with his older brother Sam, and the duo roamed the frontier, dabbling in prospecting, gambling, and occasional grifts.

By the late 1880s, the brothers settled in Denver, opening saloons and gambling halls that catered to tourists eager to spend every penny. Their operations grew, and they began investing in mining claims, bribing local police and politicians, and even driving rival con man Soapy Smith out of town.

The Blonger empire, dubbed the “Million‑Dollar Bunco Ring,” ran a network of offices that resembled legitimate stock exchanges or betting parlors. Their crew lured affluent marks into betting on “sure things” like stock tips or rigged races, ensuring the marks always lost.

When victims reported being swindled, they often tipped off Blonger, who would quickly shutter his offices, casting the complainants as liars or lunatics. This tactic kept law enforcement at bay and allowed the brothers to dominate Denver’s underworld for decades until Sam’s death in 1914.

6 Henri Lemoine

If you ever Google “how to make diamonds,” you’ll find countless modern tutorials promising a DIY sparkle. Little do you know that the very first “diamond‑making” scam dates back over a century to French swindler Henri Lemoine.

In 1905, Lemoine claimed he could synthesize diamonds from ordinary coal. He secured an audience with De Beers executives, including Sir Julius Wernher, and staged a demonstration in his Paris laboratory.

To prove his innocence, Lemoine stripped naked, assuring the audience he wasn’t hiding diamonds on his person. He then placed coal and mysterious chemicals into a crucible, heated it, and after cooling, produced twenty tiny diamonds. He repeated the feat, convincing the executives of his breakthrough.

Wernher, convinced, offered Lemoine a substantial sum to keep the formula secret and funded further research. French newspaper Le Figaro estimated Wernher paid over 1.5 million francs across three years. Notable figures like writer Marcel Proust also invested.

In 1908, a Parisian jeweler exposed the fraud, revealing the diamonds had been purchased from Lemoine. He was indicted for fraud, failed to replicate his method in court, and fled the country before sentencing. Proust later immortalized the episode in “The Lemoine Affair.”

7 Lord Gordon Gordon

The true name of the man known as Lord Gordon Gordon has been lost to history, as have his origins. In the late 19th century, he masqueraded as a British nobleman, convincing banks, law firms, and jewelers to part with large sums.

His first recorded appearance came in 1868 when he attempted to acquire a Scottish estate by posing as Lord Glencairn. After being uncovered, he fled to America, but not before duping multiple financial institutions and a jeweler.

In Minnesota, he resurfaced as Lord Gordon Gordon, targeting the burgeoning railway industry. Colonel J. Loomis, land commissioner for the Northern Pacific Railway, squandered $45 000 of railroad funds courting Gordon, believing he would invest millions.

In 1872, Gordon traveled to New York and enticed railroad magnate Jay Gould, promising control over 60 000 Erie Railway shares. Gould bribed Gordon with roughly $1 million in stock and $200 000 in cash, only to discover two weeks later that Gordon was a fraud. Gould sued, but Gordon had already cashed the stock and escaped to Canada.

Gould’s attempts to extradite or even kidnap Gordon failed. In 1874, a jeweler in Edinburgh, Marshall & Sons, identified Gordon as the earlier Lord Glencairn, linking him to a £25 000 theft. Rather than face deportation, Gordon hosted a farewell party in Manitoba, then took his own life.

8 Hungry Joe

Joseph Lewis, better known as Hungry Joe, was a prolific swindler operating in late‑19th‑century New York. His preferred con involved coaxing affluent marks into fixed bunco games—a popular parlor pastime of the era.

Joe’s reputation as the “king of the Bunco Men” grew after he bilked high‑profile victims such as General John A. Logan, Judge Noah Davis of New York, and politician Charles Francis Adams, son of John Quincy Adams.

His most famous mark was literary legend Oscar Wilde. During Wilde’s 1882 U.S. tour, Hungry Joe lured him into a bunco game and walked away with $5 000. Wilde escaped financial ruin by issuing a check that he managed to invalidate before it cleared.

Although authorities were aware of Hungry Joe, he wasn’t convicted until 1885 when he attempted to swindle British manufacturer Joseph Ramsden. Posing as a respectable businessman, Joe encouraged a bunco match, but when Ramsden hesitated, Joe seized the cash and fled. Ramsden identified him, leading to a four‑year sentence.

Upon release, Joe was quickly rearrested for another con, receiving an additional ten‑year term. His career exemplifies the relentless pursuit of profit through charm and deception.

9 Oscar Hartzell

In 1915, the mother of Oscar Hartzell invested $6 500 in a dubious venture. She, along with countless Midwestern Americans, believed they could profit by suing the British government over the estate of famed 16th‑century explorer Sir Francis Drake.

Initially, the scam targeted only individuals bearing the Drake surname, convincing them they were descendants of the wealthy navigator. The scheme proved so lucrative that it expanded to anyone willing to invest.

Hartzell, thinking the opportunity legitimate, was hired as a recruiter by the masterminds—a woman named Sudie Whittaker and her lawyer, Milo Lewis. After traveling to England, Hartzell realized the con’s true nature and seized the chance to take over the operation, exploiting infighting between Whittaker and Lewis.

The racket persisted for fifteen years while Hartzell luxuriated in London. It wasn’t until 1933 that a postal inspector exposed the fraud, leading to Hartzell’s deportation to the United States.

Although sentenced to ten years, Hartzell kept the scheme alive for another year with his brother’s help. By its peak, the swindler had conned tens of thousands, netting $20 000 a month.

10 William Thompson

William Thompson’s crimes weren’t especially audacious, but his place in history is secure: he was the first person ever labeled a “confidence man.”

Active in mid‑19th‑century New York City, Thompson cut a genteel figure, sporting courteous manners that allowed him to approach affluent strangers and strike up conversations as if they were old acquaintances.

After a few minutes of friendly chatter, he would politely ask his new companion if they possessed the confidence to entrust him with their watch until the following day. Occasionally, he requested a modest loan, and bewilderingly, people obliged. Thompson would then walk away with the watch—or the cash—while his marks stared, unsure of what had just transpired.

In July 1849, Thompson was arrested after Thomas McDonald, one of his victims, reported him. Earlier that year, Thompson had approached McDonald on the street, used his usual tactics, and walked away with a gold lever watch valued at $110. When the two later crossed paths again, McDonald alerted a police officer, leading to Thompson’s capture despite his protests and attempts to resist.

What do animals do? That’s a pretty broad question, but there are plenty of things they do—some even become artists. In this roundup of 10 animals who became artists, we’ll explore how a dog, a horse, an elephant, a rhino, a photographer pup, an orangutan, a sea lion, beluga whales, a bowerbird, and many more have taken brushes, brushes, cameras, and even building materials into their own creative hands.

10 Dagger DogVinci

Dagger is a Black Labrador/Golden Retriever mix whose early life pointed toward a career as an assistance dog with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). He mastered much of the rigorous training but ran into fear‑related hurdles on a few tasks and ultimately didn’t graduate. Afterward, artist Yvonne Dagger welcomed him into her studio, where he observed her painting daily.

Because of his prior training, Dagger was already attuned to watching and mimicking human skills. One day Yvonne handed him a paintbrush, and the pup set to work on his own canvases. He eventually sold more than 150 paintings, raising over $10,000 for charitable causes. Not content to rest on his laurels, Dagger—affectionately known as “DogVinci”—also earned certification as a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International, traveling the world to inspire, influence, and comfort people wherever he goes.

10 Animals Who Became Artists: An Overview

9 Metro The Painting Racehorse

Metro Meteor, a top‑class racehorse, was rescued by artist Ron Krajewski and his wife Wendy after a severe knee injury ended his racing career. Born with a degenerative knee condition, veterinarians warned that his prognosis was terminal, giving him perhaps two years left. Determined to give Metro a joyful life, Ron noticed the horse’s habit of bobbing his head and imagined he might enjoy holding a brush in his mouth.

Metro embraced painting with gusto, becoming the bestselling artist at Gallery 30 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The proceeds funded a pioneering treatment that saved his knees, allowing him to continue creating art for many years. In addition, Metro donated over $45,000 from his sales to a charity that assists retired racehorses in finding loving homes.

8 The Painting Elephants Of Thailand

The Elephant Art Gallery showcases works produced by trained elephants residing at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. Many of these gentle giants are rescued or orphaned, and they paint using specially adapted brushes that prevent the brush from slipping too far down their trunks. With over 40,000 muscles in a single trunk, elephants can execute surprisingly precise strokes, rendering detailed depictions of trees, leaves, and blossoms, as well as vibrant abstracts.

While the gallery’s success has drawn admiration, some conservationists question the ethics of training elephants to paint, sparking debate about potential cruelty. The discussion remains unresolved, leaving the artistic merit of the program entwined with animal‑welfare concerns.

7 Mshindi The Painting Rhino

Mshindi, a black rhino who lived at Denver Zoo, spent his final years creating abstract canvases with a brush held in his mouth. Trained by keeper Christine Bobko, he learned not only to paint but also to fetch sticks and sit on command, demonstrating a keen appetite for new challenges. His artistic output raised awareness of rhino conservation and highlighted the intellectual curiosity of these massive mammals.

The name Mshindi translates to “warrior” in Swahili—a fitting moniker for a creature that fought against the limitations of age and health to express himself through art before his euthanasia in September 2015 due to progressing foot problems.

6 The ‘Pho‑Dog‑Rapher’

In a quirky Nikon experiment, a dog named Grizzler became a photographer. A heart‑rate sensor attached to a camera strapped on his chest monitored his excitement levels; whenever his pulse rose above 119 beats per minute, the shutter clicked, capturing whatever had caught his attention.

Grizzler’s eclectic portfolio includes snapshots of cats, fellow dogs, plants, and even mushrooms, proving that a dog’s perspective can yield a surprisingly diverse visual record of the world around him.

5 Towan The Orangutan Artist

Towan, an orangutan at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, spent nearly five decades exploring artistic expression. Though he repeatedly attempted to escape captivity—an indication of his intelligence and yearning for freedom—zookeepers provided him with a sketch pad and a toolbox of unconventional implements such as toothbrushes, crayons, and chalk.

Using these tools, Towan produced striking abstract works that revealed his creative spirit. He passed away in March 2016 following complications from a medical procedure, leaving behind a legacy of artistic curiosity among great apes.

4 Lea The Sea Lion

Marine mammalogist Jen DeGroot, working at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon, taught a sea lion named Lea to paint as a means of mental enrichment. Lea embraced the activity, and his companion Max soon followed suit. Their “flipper prints” were sold to raise additional funds for the aquarium’s animal programs, and both were featured in the book Fur in My Paint.

The popularity of their artwork sparked greater public interest in sea lions, drawing attention to these charismatic marine mammals beyond their typical aquarium performances.

3 Painting Beluga Whales

Beluga whales at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, Japan, have been equipped with specially designed “beluga brushes.” The whales hold the brushes in their mouths and attempt to replicate images submitted by aquarium visitors as part of an interactive art program.

Although keepers must dip the brushes into paint and set up a suspended easel above the water, the belugas perform the actual brushwork, producing colorful, whimsical paintings that surprise and delight onlookers.

2 The Bowerbird Collage

Male bowerbirds are celebrated architects of the avian world. To woo potential mates, they construct elaborate display structures—bowers—adorned with a dazzling assortment of found objects: ribbons, shards of glass, coins, and even photographs.

The birds painstakingly gather and arrange these trinkets around a framework of interwoven sticks and grasses. Importantly, the bower is a purely aesthetic creation, separate from the nest, serving solely to impress females with the male’s artistic flair.

1 And So Many Others

We often assume that only humans possess true artistic talent, yet countless creatures display natural creativity. Parrots excel at vocal mimicry, even aiding criminal investigations, while flamingos coordinate intricate group dances, and spiders spin delicate, geometric webs.

Beyond behavior, many animals are themselves living works of art: butterflies flaunt vivid wing patterns, and oysters craft lustrous pearls within their shells. The animal kingdom teems with extraordinary craftsmanship for those willing to look closely.

I write about the weird and wonderful world of wildlife and animals, hoping to inspire readers to keep learning and discovering how we are all intertwined with nature’s endless canvas.

In the wild world of 19th‑century medicine, the phrase “10 wacky vintage” captures an era when snake oil, radium water, and a host of other dubious concoctions were hawked to the public with gusto. Over‑the‑counter remedies were a gamble, and charlatans with a silver tongue could convince anyone that their mysterious brew was a miracle. Below, we rank the most audacious of these vintage cures, complete with the colorful stories that kept them flying off the shelves.

10 Clark Stanley’s Snake Oil Liniment

Clark Stanley boasted that his “authentic” snake oil traced back to Chinese laborers who first introduced the remedy to America. He claimed the oil was rich in anti‑inflammatory Omega‑3s because the water snakes they used ate fish. In reality, Stanley’s product was marketed as rattlesnake oil, yet the bottle never contained any genuine snake fat. He built his reputation by claiming ties to Hopi healers and performing a dramatic stage act where he would pull a live snake from a basket, slice it open, and boil its fat before the crowd. Despite the theatrical spectacle, the final formula was nothing more than mineral oil, beef fat, red pepper, and a dash of turpentine – none of which cured anything.

The 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act forced the government to crack down on such false advertising. In 1917, the FDA seized Stanley’s product and ran a lab test that revealed the concoction’s true ingredients. Turpentine, once a common medicinal additive, was later linked to severe eye, lung, and nervous‑system damage. When faced with the evidence, Stanley didn’t deny the fraud; he simply paid a $20 fine for violating the new law.

9 Radium Ore Revigator

When radiation entered the scientific lexicon in the late 1800s, inventors raced to commercialize its perceived health benefits. By the early 20th century, a market for “radium water” flourished, promising cures for more than 150 ailments. The Revigator, a ceramic jug lined with uranium ore, let users soak their drinking water overnight, believing the water would become “denatured” with a vital radioactive ingredient.

Modern analysis by Dr. Michael Epstein showed that the Revigator not only leached unsafe levels of radiation – almost twice the EPA’s recommended maximum – but also released toxic heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. Thousands of households purchased the device in the 1920s and ’30s, dutifully drinking six to eight glasses a day, blissfully unaware that they were ingesting a dangerous cocktail of radiation and contaminants. The eventual scientific consensus that radiation was hazardous put an abrupt end to the craze.

8 Kickapoo’s Indian Sagwa

From 1881 to 1906, Kickapoo’s Indian Sagwa was marketed as a secret remedy derived from the Kickapoo tribe’s ancient knowledge. In truth, the Kickapoo people had no involvement in its production. The concoction promised relief from heartburn, depression, jaundice, and a litany of other ills, but the bottle actually held a blend of herbs, alcohol, and laxatives – a mixture that cured nothing beyond a temporary financial drain.

Entrepreneurs John Healy and Charles Bigelow capitalized on the public’s fascination with Native‑American mystique. Their traveling medicine show hired Indigenous performers to deliver testimonials in native tongues, which the white hosts would then translate into glowing endorsements. The spectacle featured dances, fire‑eating, juggling, and staged “cures” performed on actors, all designed to dazzle audiences and boost sales.

Beyond the stage, Healy and Bigelow flooded newspapers with leaflets praising the Sagwa and expanded the brand into related products like Kickapoo Indian Salve and Kickapoo Cough Cure. Their clever branding kept the product in demand until regulatory reforms began to expose the sham.

7 Vitality Water Injections

Dr. John Brinkley, infamous for his goat‑gland transplants, also marketed a bright‑colored “vitality water” he called Formula 1020. He promised that this injection would restore virility after surgery. Harnessing the power of early radio, Brinkley launched his own station in Kansas, where he peppered broadcasts with advertisements for the vivid liquid.

In 1923, a scandal erupted exposing Brinkley’s lack of medical credentials; he had purchased a degree rather than earned it. The courts stripped him of both his medical and broadcasting licenses by 1930, and a subsequent mail‑fraud indictment in 1939 revealed the formula was merely dyed water with no therapeutic value. Dr. Morris Fishbein of the American Medical Association publicly denounced the product, and a failed lawsuit by Brinkley confirmed his status as a quack.

Despite legal battles, Brinkley persisted, opening new clinics and continuing to inject unsuspecting patients until his death, penniless and disgraced.

6 Doc Meriwether Miracle Elixir

Doc Meriwether, paired with the charismatic “Yellow Kid” Joseph Weil, sold a miracle elixir claimed to eradicate tapeworms. He boasted a secret blend of rainwater, alcohol, Epsom salts, and cascara – a plant with laxative properties – promising rapid expulsion of parasites. The duo staged lively medicine shows, complete with music, dancing, and theatrical testimonials from the Yellow Kid, who claimed the potion saved his children’s lives.

Production took place in Meriwether’s Chicago home, where his wife mixed and bottled the brew for just $1 a bottle. The marketing emphasized scientific research and rigorous testing, though the ingredients offered only temporary digestive relief. The elixir’s popularity surged as Americans, fearing a tapeworm epidemic, flocked to purchase it in droves.

While the showmanship was entertaining, the product itself did little more than act as a laxative, and the promises of a cure were largely unfounded.

5 Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills For Pale People

Canadian politician George Fulford created the G.T. Fulford company, later branding its flagship product as Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills. The pills were sold as a cure for “bad blood,” weak appetites, depression, heart palpitations, and low energy. Fulford bought the original patent from a real Dr. Williams and repackaged it with a flamboyant marketing campaign that spanned more than 80 countries.

The advertisements leaned on the outdated four‑humor theory, claiming illnesses stemmed from imbalances of blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. The pamphlets instructed users to take a pill after each meal while avoiding soup, porridge, and pickles, which were said to dilute the blood. Additional recommendations included a pre‑pill laxative and a mustard‑infused bath for women.

Despite the elaborate regimen, the pills contained only sugar and iron – no genuine therapeutic agents. Nonetheless, the glossy brochures, testimonials, and worldwide distribution made the pink pills a commercial triumph until the 1906 drug regulations curbed such false claims.

4 Boschee’s German Syrup

Colonel George Gil Green, a Civil‑War veteran who abandoned medical school, acquired the rights to his father’s secret formula and marketed it as Boschee’s German Syrup. The syrup blended laudanum – a potent mix of opium, morphine, and codeine – with alcohol, delivering a powerful pain‑relieving and euphoric effect.

Green’s advertisements painted the syrup as a cure‑all for throat and lung ailments, promising relief from coughs, colds, and even consumption. Testimonials from pharmacists and dramatic “before‑and‑after” stories bolstered the product’s reputation. Green also handed out sample bottles for a mere ten cents, a bargain that drove massive sales.

His success turned him into a millionaire, allowing him to purchase an opulent hotel in Pasadena, an opera house, and various properties in Woodbury, New Jersey. However, the passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act exposed the syrup’s addictive nature, slashing its market.

3 Dr. F.G. Johnson’s French Female Pills

Targeting women’s health concerns, Dr. F.G. Johnson marketed French Female Pills that combined beneficial minerals like iron and calcium with dangerous heavy metals. While iron and calcium support bone strength and immune function, the pills also packed mercury and lead – substances then used in medicine but later recognized for their neurotoxic and developmental hazards.

Mercury, employed in the 19th century to treat syphilis, was later shown to cause severe neurological damage, especially in pregnant women and infants. Lead, added for its sweet taste, posed a grave risk to children’s developing brains. The inclusion of these toxic elements turned an otherwise benign supplement into a hazardous product.

Despite the peril, the pills were advertised as a comprehensive women’s health solution, capitalizing on the era’s limited medical knowledge and the public’s trust in patent medicines.

2 Hamlin’s Wizard Oil

Created in 1861 by magician John Austen Hamlin and his brother Lysander, Hamlin’s Wizard Oil promised a panacea for sore throats, headaches, bruises, diphtheria, rheumatism, and even cancer. The brothers leveraged their theatrical background to craft eye‑catching advertisements in almanacs and newspapers, boasting that “no sore it will not heal and no pain it will not subdue.”

The formula contained ammonia and chloroform, chemicals that could provide temporary numbing but were ultimately harmful. The marketing even claimed the oil could cure animals, illustrated by a whimsical ad showing an elephant gulping the potion to recover from illness.

These flamboyant promotions kept sales robust until the 1906 crackdown on false medical claims forced the Hamlins to cease operations.

1 Ozone Paper

Asthma sufferers once faced a bizarre remedy called Ozone Paper. The product was a sheet of paper that, when ignited, released fumes that the user inhaled, allegedly curing bronchitis and asthma. The marketing material featured glowing testimonials from supposed patients and physicians, claiming the paper could eradicate asthma attacks entirely.

In the 19th century, many doctors believed asthma stemmed from excess phlegm, prompting treatments that involved smoke or fumes to “dry out” the lungs. Modern research has shown that inhaling such smoke only aggravates the condition, and the Ozone Paper’s promised cure was a dangerous illusion.

With the advent of inhaled corticosteroids, nebulizers, and portable inhalers, the medical community abandoned smoke‑based therapies, rendering Ozone Paper a relic of a misguided era.

These ten wacky vintage cures illustrate how clever marketing, cultural mystique, and a lack of regulation allowed quacks to thrive. While the remedies themselves were ineffective—or outright harmful—their stories remain a fascinating window into a time when hope could be bottled, labeled, and sold to anyone willing to believe.

When you think of ten amazing artists, you probably picture brilliant canvases, iconic sculptures, and groundbreaking compositions. Yet brilliance on the canvas doesn’t always translate to brilliance in the bedroom, the boardroom, or the bar. Below we dive into the unsettling personal histories of some of the most celebrated creators in Western culture – a reminder that great art can emerge from deeply flawed, even horrendous, humans.

Why Ten Amazing Artists Still Captivate Audiences

10. Michelangelo Merisi Da Caravaggio

It’s such a common phrase by this point to be nearly meaningless when you hear someone can supposedly “get away with murder.” But famed Renaissance painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio actually did get away with murder in his life. And he went right on painting through it.

Caravaggio is best known for his exquisite oil paintings depicting gory scenes and bloody battles. His subjects show remarkable motion on the canvas while slaughtering and getting slaughtered. And as it turns out, Caravaggio’s paintings may have very much followed a murderous trend in the artist’s own life.

Art historians have long made note of Caravaggio’s drinking habits. He was very well‑known during his raucous life for getting drunk in Italian bars and pubs and then assaulting anyone within arm’s reach. Some historians even assert he was a well‑known pimp who sold a series of women to local johns. His worst sins were far more deadly, though. As a teenager, he reportedly killed a man in his hometown and was forced to flee. A few years later, he murdered a young male rival of his on a tennis court and skipped his adopted hometown once more.

Historians believe he killed several more people across Italy. His hard‑drinking habits certainly didn’t help. But it’s not every day that a world‑famous painter is also supposedly a serial killer. In the end, the law caught up with Caravaggio. Government officials in the Papal States soon grew tired of his violent ways. They put out a “bando capitale” on the artist. Basically, it allowed any local resident the opportunity to catch and kill Caravaggio as an enemy of the state.

In 1610, the Knights of Malta caught up to the painter and gave him a taste of his own medicine. As we know now, the world lost a phenomenal painter when Caravaggio was killed. But at the time, the Papal States simply couldn’t stomach the pressure he put on society any longer than they already had.

9. Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin’s most famous achievement—other than his own paintings, of course—was being the guy who chopped off Vincent Van Gogh’s ear. The two painters were longtime friends who shared costs and often made art based on the same subjects. They both had incredible eyes for color, shading, and style. And they both were difficult to work and live with, so their friendship was fated to end long before it probably should have. After his falling out with Van Gogh, Gauguin fled to French Polynesia and experimented with color in ways painters never before had done.

But that’s not what makes Gauguin unique for the purposes of this list. Instead, the post‑Impressionist is known first for abandoning his French wife and five children upon leaving abruptly for Tahiti. Once he got there, he then started taking Polynesian children as brides.

By 1891, when Gauguin was in his 40s, the artist had taken three child brides younger than 14 years old. He had children with all three. Then, he promptly infected all three with syphilis, as well as spreading the virulent virus all around the island while having other trysts on the side. By the time he died in French Polynesia in 1903, his passing was welcomed by all the women whose lives he’d changed forever.

8. Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas was one of the greatest Impressionist painters of all time. The talented artist was a living legend during his life in France. The way he depicted movement on canvas changed how many future painters saw the craft. But as it turned out, Degas was not the nicest person away from his art studio.

Degas’s behind‑the‑scenes controversies began in 1894, when a French Army captain named Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of selling military secrets to Germany. Dreyfus was Jewish, and the treasonous affair was big news in France at the time. (As it would later come to pass, it turned out Dreyfus was framed—but that mattered little to many people intent on criticizing him.)

Degas was one of many French citizens shocked to learn Dreyfus had supposedly been selling state secrets to a rival. But instead of just being mad about treasonous corruption, the Impressionist took things quite a bit further. Lamenting Dreyfus’s alleged behavior, Degas became a rabid and publicly vicious anti‑Semite.

The artist began to loudly proclaim to anyone who would listen—and many who wouldn’t—that all Jews were just as bad as Dreyfus, and none of them could be trusted. Degas took things further, too, by cutting off all contact with any Jewish people who had been in his life. Sadly, that included dumping a lifelong friend who had never wronged the painter in any way.

In time, Degas’s anti‑Semitism even bled into his work connections. The artist had previously loved the painting of Camille Pissarro, who was, then and now, the only major Jewish Impressionist of note. But after 1894, Degas refused to have anything to do with Pissarro. When a friend pointed out that Degas used to loudly support the Jewish artist’s work, Degas coldly replied, “That was before Dreyfus.”

As the calendar turned to the 20th century, Degas’s anti‑Semitic streak continued. In one notably bizarre incident, he kicked a model out of his studio for being Jewish—even though she was actually a Protestant. If there’s any consolation to Degas’s cruel behavior, it’s that his friends had all mostly abandoned him by the time of his death in 1917. They had grown weary of his constant racist attacks and diatribes.

7. Richard Prince

Richard Prince has what every modern‑day artist seemingly wants. He’s an in‑demand star with work that sells for millions of dollars. He’s esteemed by colleagues, and his work is desired by art buyers worldwide. In 2015, an art publication even named his work some of the most lucrative pieces among all living artists. There’s just one little problem with it all: He keeps getting criticized—and sued—for ripping off other people’s art.

In 2014, Prince held an exhibition of photos he simply copied off Instagram. That was it. That was the art. He pulled other people’s digital photos off Instagram, printed and framed them, and then sold the images for a whopping $100,000 each. He didn’t even tell the original photographers!

When word got out, and the original photographers started getting mad about their images being used without warning or compensation, Prince whined about how the “phony fraud photographers” simply couldn’t stop “mooching” him for recognition.

But Prince’s story gets weirder still. In another photo grab, the popular artist swiped and repurposed nearly three dozen images from photographer Patrick Cariou. The French photographer had published them in a book about Jamaican men titled Yes Rasta.

Prince liked them so much that he copied about 30 of the images, drew electric guitars on them, and sold them all. He netted millions of dollars in profit—and a lawsuit from Cariou. That court battle has dragged on for years with stops, starts, decisions, appeals, and rulings. One thing is for certain, though: photographers rightfully don’t seem to care too much for Richard Prince’s antics.

6. Benvenuto Cellini

Italian sculptor Benvenuto Cellini is still known today as one of the foremost goldsmiths of history. He mashed and molded gold into incredibly detailed and intricate sculptures. He created the still‑iconic Cellini Salt Cellar and a famed sculpture of Perseus with the Head of Medusa. He even wrote a painstakingly detailed autobiography that historians still point to as one of the foremost literary works of the 16th century.

But away from his art and literature, Cellini was—to put it in the mildest terms—a bad dude. The sculptor’s rough life began very early. As a teenager, he brawled so much that he was cast out of his hometown. Living his young life on the road only made Cellini more vicious, though. He started carrying knives and was known to pick violent fights with foes, real or perceived.

Then, in 1527, the Sack of Rome happened, and Cellini saw his first taste of real murderous action. He killed at least two of the occupying soldiers in a rage during the invasion. And he apparently enjoyed it so much that he chose to keep killing after that.

Over the rest of his life, Cellini killed at least three more men and wounded several others. One of his brothers was executed by police in Florence because of a murder he’d committed—thereby proving the vicious familial connection. Benvenuto didn’t like that his brother had to die, though, so he killed one of the watch’s corporals in revenge.

A few years later, he was busy beating a man to death when a witness saw him do it and turned him in. Cellini promptly killed the witness before the man could testify against him. A few years after that, Cellini went to sculpt in France. There, he became the subject of a civil lawsuit. But before that filing could work its way into court, Cellini crippled the plaintiff’s legs and fled town.

The murderous man faced no long‑lasting consequences for these acts and lived just short of his 71st birthday before dying peacefully in 1571. His art lives on today—and his horrific and violent acts now do, too.

5. Eric Gill

Eric Gill used his talents as an incredible sculptor. During the early 20th century, he was one of the foremost progenitors of Britain’s powerful Arts and Crafts movement. Gill’s work is known the world over, and it sits in some high‑profile places.

At times, his sculptures have sat in front of the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London, as well as the United Nations’ European headquarters building. Many of his works are meticulously guarded as part of careful collections by London’s Tate Galleries. And many more of his famed pieces are very much inspired by the solemn and powerful Catholic faith.

But Gill himself was a star‑crossed person in his private life—to say the very least. According to art historians, Gill seduced at least one of his sisters during his lifetime, with some contending he actually slept with both. He conducted unspeakable sexual and physical experiments on his family’s pet dog late at night for years. And it later came out that he sexually abused his daughters throughout childhood and their teenage years.

Gill was often sick in his adult life; in 1940, he passed away after battling lung cancer. He wasn’t even 60 years old. And for a while, nobody knew about his sordid personal dealings. Those shocking revelations only came out five decades after his death, when a jaw‑dropping biography was published about the real Eric Gill.

4. Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon delivered shocking and often gruesome portraits of characters throughout his prolific art career. The 20th‑century Irish artist—not the 16th‑century English statesman—was known for painting revolting images of nearly inhuman people doing unspeakable things. As it turned out, in his case, at least, life imitated art. Or maybe we have that backward, and Bacon’s unsettling art actually imitated his dark life.

The Irish‑born artist was a very disturbed individual who was said to have pushed several boyfriends into such despair that they committed suicide. He also viewed sexuality as an opportunity to “prey” on younger, often unwitting victims. When he was just a teenager, a stablehand was said to have tied him up and whipped him while bound. That may have affected the rest of Bacon’s life, as he soon became a sexual predator in revenge.

In 1963, Bacon met London‑born male model George Dyer at a pub. The two men hit it off—well, as easily as one could with Bacon—and soon began a torrid affair. But it was tempestuous from the very beginning. Both men physically harmed each other in an endless loop of domestic violence. Bacon was twisted enough to emotionally do damage to Dyer’s fragile psyche, too. In 1971, the awful relationship came to a head.

While on a trip to Paris, Bacon embarrassed and then cast away Dyer. The emotional pain was so great that the male model killed himself in response. For his part, Bacon lived out the rest of his days seemingly unbothered by Dyer’s shocking death at just 33 years old. The tortured (and torturing) artist lived out a long life beyond the suicide and died at the ripe old age of 82 in 1992.

3. Percy Grainger

Percy Grainger was “Australia’s first great composer.” Okay, so that’s what he called himself. And can you really give yourself a nickname—or an honorific like that? The fact that Grainger bestowed such a moniker upon himself probably should have given the world its first clue that he maybe wasn’t the kindest person out there. Then, throughout his life in the first half of the 20th century, he pretty much proved those suspicions correct.

Even though he was born Down Under and theoretically far away from much Jewish interaction taking place in Europe, Grainger still took great interest in the faith. And not in a good way. His entire life’s work, from music to his social commentary and public persona, centered on some deeply and very strongly held anti‑Semitic beliefs.

And when his professional attention turned to preserving and promoting classic British folk music, he did so for a disturbing reason. Grainger believed Britain’s white natives were at risk of losing their “creative genius” due to immigration, race‑mixing, and Jewish conspiracies.

Grainger lived in the United States from the mid‑1910s on, and his life played out during a tumultuous few decades in American history. For much of that time, he drew on prior years he’d lived in Germany to enthusiastically support the work of Nazi Party favorites. One of the men Grainger held in the highest esteem was a British‑German philosopher and pro‑Nazi thinker named Houston Stewart Chamberlain, whom Grainger believed to be the world’s foremost academic.

When World War II broke out, Grainger’s old German friends asked him to help Jews who were fleeing the Nazi regime. He turned them down again and again despite having the means and connections to help. Not great, Percy.

2. Bob Kane

Bob Kane spent his life claiming he invented Batman. In reality, one of his longtime friends, Bill Finger, created the Caped Crusader. And even worse, not only was Finger left uncredited with the creation for decades, but Kane also seemed to take any and every opportunity to rub it in his face. Batman took off in the late 1930s, of course. But it wasn’t actually Kane’s own creation—at least not as the superhero ended up being portrayed.

In the middle of the Great Depression, Kane started thinking about a superhero named Bat‑Man. Kane wanted the star to have a red suit and wavy blonde hair. He was supposed to fly around using a pair of attached bat wings, too—hence the name. So Kane enlisted his artist friend Finger to make a mockup design of the new hero.

Quickly, Finger realized the whole concept behind Kane’s Bat‑Man idea was laughable. Dumping the bright red costume and wavy blond hair, Finger instead put the superhero in a black, skin‑tight suit. Finger also dropped Bat‑Man’s various superpowers, turned him into a detective, and gave him Bruce Wayne’s backstory. Finger even created other mainstay characters like Catwoman, Robin, and the Joker to help fill out the tale.

Kane loved the idea and ran with it, but he didn’t care to bring Finger along for the ride. After his unlucky friend was done creating characters, Kane took the mockups to DC Comics and secured a contract that specifically did not mention or include Finger in any way. The rest, as they say, is history.

Finger died in obscurity years later, having been unable to receive any credit for his work. Kane made money off Batman from the very start of his lucrative partnership with DC. Still, Finger never got a dime in royalties. He didn’t even get a creator credit on the iconic idea until 2015—long after he passed away in 1974 after years of heart problems.

As for Kane, he died a rich man in 1998. His gravestone acknowledged that he did have a little help in creating Batman after all. But the credit didn’t go to Finger; instead, it claimed “God” assisted Kane in creating iconic comic books.

1. Pablo Picasso

If you know anything about Pablo Picasso, you’re probably surprised that you had to wait this long to see his name pop up. The painter is arguably the most talented visual artist to ever live. Certainly, he’s one of the most famous. His name is synonymous even today with works of beauty, splendor, and uniqueness.

But away from his public life, Picasso was a troubled and often very demanding man who put his family and friends through hell. “He needed the blood of those who loved him,” Picasso’s granddaughter Marina once famously said about the artist. Sadly, that very often proved to be true.

Picasso himself didn’t try to hide this fact about his personality. He once called women “machines for suffering” and boasted about being the one to push them to their limits. Even though he made lots of money during his life, Picasso never let his loved ones partake. After Marina’s own parents split up, Pablo ensured the little girl and her mother remained in abject poverty. He intended to “teach them a lesson” with the cruel and unnecessary act.

Things could have been worse, though. For decades, he mistreated women in relationships with constant infidelity and relentless verbal and emotional abuse. Of the half‑dozen women who featured significantly in Pablo’s life, two were driven to madness and institutionalized, while two more died by suicide.

When we talk about ten renowned artists whose work went unnoticed in their own time, the narrative becomes a bittersweet mix of struggle and eventual triumph.

ten renowned artists: A Posthumous Celebration

10. Charles Bukowski

The author Charles Bukowski is a prime example of a literary figure whose genius went unnoticed during his lifetime. It was not until the waning years of his life and the decades following his death that Bukowski’s works attained the recognition and adulation they deserved. As an enigmatic artist, he was marked by a relentless pursuit of truth and unflinching portrayal of the human condition. That eventually led him to the realms of literary fame and worldwide respect. But it didn’t happen in his lifetime.

Born in 1920, Bukowski spent a significant portion of his life struggling in obscurity. He worked odd jobs while grappling with personal demons. His literary works were often characterized by gritty realism and unapologetic depictions of urban life. He loved to write about those on the margins of society. But despite his undeniable talent, Bukowski’s writing largely evaded mainstream recognition throughout his career.

It was not until the publication of his semi‑autobiographical novel Post Office as a 51‑year‑old in 1971 that glimpses of literary success began to flicker on the horizon. But even after that, success was decades away, and he didn’t have decades to live. After working for most of his life at a post office in Los Angeles, Bukowski’s novels finally started getting some attention by the very end of his life. When he died of leukemia in 1994, he had only just started to “make it” in the literary world. After death, though, his reputation ballooned.

Today, three decades after his death, Bukowski is a literary icon. The spread of his work across the internet, the popularity of the Beat Generation, and a growing appreciation for unconventional voices in literature have all helped. And his raw portrayal of life’s hardships mingled with moments of profound beauty struck a chord with readers hungry for authenticity, too. It’s just a shame he never lived to see it for himself.

9. Johann Sebastian Bach

It’s not often that you find an artist who completely excels in one talent but struggles mightily with another. But the renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach faced this unique situation during his life. Despite his undeniable talent as a composer, his works went largely unnoticed while he was alive. However, Bach flourished as an organist at the same time. That was thanks to his musical upbringing in a German family and the wise guidance of his brother after the loss of their parents.

Bach held various positions as an organist during his days. He actively participated in the music scene in Europe, and regularly earned recognition for his exceptional performances. Ye, his compositions remained completely overshadowed. It wasn’t until the 19th century, when there was a renewed interest in the Baroque period, that Bach’s musical genius finally gained recognition.

During his career, he revolutionized Baroque music by infusing elements from Italy and France. His ideas elevated the German style to its peak. But the problem was that nobody knew it until after he died! But although it took time, Bach’s compositions now resonate worldwide. In that way, he has fulfilled every artist’s ultimate desire for their work to be appreciated by audiences across the globe. It just didn’t happen when he could experience it firsthand.

8. Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau is now known as a profound thinker and influential figure. But it wasn’t always that way. He was largely ignored and misunderstood during his time. Despite this, his impact on individuals like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi cannot be understated. But his thinking was outside‑the‑box during his life. And thus, Thoreau’s unconventional ideas and activism distanced him from mainstream society in the 19th century.

Of course, Thoreau found solace in nature. That became the central theme of his most widely‑read book Walden. But life was challenging for the writer beyond that. Many of his works struggled to find publishers. He even funded the publication of some of them himself after being largely ignored by mainstream presses. And in doing that on his own, he often only sold a precious few copies at a time.

Amazingly, Thoreau passed away with just two professionally published works. And upon his death, they received little attention from the general public. He had remained essentially unknown in the literary world throughout his life. Yet today, he is regarded as a literary titan. His works, such as Civil Disobedience, continue to inspire great leaders. And his reflections on nature encourage artists and thinkers to reassess the significance of the natural world and the simple pleasures in life. It was a long road to the top for Thoreau, but he finally got there—more than a century after his death.

7. Claude Monet

Claude Monet may have been the founder of French Impressionism, but he faced a tragic journey during his life. His groundbreaking works now adorn walls worldwide and are considered masterpieces. But at the time he painted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his works were criticized as formless and unfinished. Art buyers found them ugly. The art world mostly turned their back on the painter. And in short order, this condemnation plunged Monet and his family into years of dire poverty.

Monet’s unique form and technique captured the essence of atmospheric light in his landscape paintings. He believed that a landscape’s true nature is ever‑changing, brought to life by the surrounding atmosphere. His masterpiece, “Impression, Sunrise,” gave birth to a new artistic movement. However, it took nearly a decade for his works to gain recognition and sell, beginning in the 1880s.

Yet, even amid his modest success, Monet faced accusations of commercialism from fellow painters. Of course, we now know he suffered partial blindness. That resulted in vibrant bursts of color devoid of distinct shapes in his later paintings. But throughout his life, things never came easy for the painter. While he’s massively popular today, he never knew it while creating art. Only at the very end of his life—and really, after his death—did Monet’s work take hold.

6. Johannes Vermeer

Today, Johannes Vermeer is respected as one of the most famous artists to hail from Holland. But he had a long wait after death to become renowned for his creations. Born in 1632, little is known about his early life. After his father’s death, Vermeer took over the family art business. It’s unclear whether (or where) he apprenticed as an artist, but soon enough, he had gained knowledge via his experience in the art trade. Vermeer created his own paintings that focused on the provincial middle class instead of the church or nobility. In 1675, he borrowed money in Amsterdam to be a full‑time artist. But his lack of sales left him unable to repay the loan, and it left his family in debt.

After Vermeer’s death, art historians overlooked his paintings for two centuries. Although some connoisseurs in the Netherlands appreciated his work, many of his pieces were mistakenly attributed to more famous artists. But after two hundred years of relative anonymity, museum director Gustav Waagen saw The Art of Painting in the Czernin gallery. He fell in love with it and pushed for Vermeer to finally receive recognition.

Initially attributed to Pieter de Hoch, the painting prompted further research and the creation of a catalog of Vermeer’s works. Now, art lovers and historians alike know quite a bit more about the artist’s work—even if his life remains a mystery. His art continues to inspire other painters today, too. And yet none of this was feasible when Vermeer died in the late 17th century.

5. Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson suffered the cruel fate of time’s backwardness. Despite creating numerous poems, only a handful of her nearly 1,800 compositions were published while she lived. Moreover, these published poems underwent significant alterations to conform to the conventional rules of the era. It was only after death that her true intellect and talent were fully understood.

Characterized as an eccentric, Dickinson deliberately kept her extensive collection of poems away from the public eye until her passing. Her seclusion was legendary. She seldom received visitors or even ventured beyond her bedroom. She maintained friendships primarily through written correspondence. And yet her undeniable talent and unique style cannot be overlooked.

Dickinson’s poems featured concise lines, which was rare at the time. They also often employ slant rhymes, unconventional capitalization, and punctuation. In her letters to friends, she frequently explored themes of death and immortality. Those then seamlessly translated into her poetry. Then, after Dickinson passed away in 1886, her younger sister Lavinia stumbled upon her hidden trove of poems. Recognizing what was there, she finally unveiled the remarkable collection to the world.

The poet’s first collection was published four years after her death, in 1890. Dickinson was lambasted by critics at the time, but patience won out. In the ensuing decades, she came to be regarded as one of the greatest‑ever American poets. Even today, her legacy carries on strongly as a master of the genre. And yet she never lived to see any of it—and might well have been horrified by it had she done so.

4. Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe is now known for his dark tales and poetry. Unsurprisingly, he was deeply influenced by his troubled life. Born in 1809, his father abandoned the family and his mother succumbed to tuberculosis. Tragedy struck again with his brother’s death not long after that. It ended up being what spurred Poe’s writing career. Yet surviving as a writer was as tough then as it is now. And for most of his life, Poe never found financial success or worldwide acclaim based on the things he wrote.

The pain in Poe’s life extended to his marriage with his 13‑year‑old cousin, Virginia. She died from tuberculosis only four years after they were wed. Her loss deeply affected him. It can be seen now in his renowned poem “The Raven,” where a talking raven visits a distraught lover before descending into madness. But despite the poem’s international success nowadays, Poe received a mere $9 for its publication.

Poe’s struggles persisted until his own untimely demise. His alcoholism and personal issues became evident as his adult life carried forth. His demons led to unsuccessful attempts at starting a journal. And with his career on the outs, it all ended for him in a sad way. Tragically, he was found unconscious in a Baltimore gutter in 1849. He was quickly pronounced dead due to unknown causes. None of the respect he’s earned in the two centuries since ever came to him in life.

3. Jeff Buckley

Few modern musicians have achieved posthumous fame on the scale of Jeff Buckley. Born in 1966 to the legendary folk singer Tim Buckley, Jeff struggled to carve out his own identity as a musician. Despite his undeniable talent, his star failed to ascend during his short life. It was only after his untimely death by drowning in the Mississippi River that the world truly embraced his ethereal voice and haunting songs.

Buckley’s breakthrough came with the release of his debut album Grace in 1994. But by then, he’d already been dead for three years. The album showcased his signature blend of folk, rock, and soul. It quickly struck a chord with listeners who were captivated by his raw emotion and soaring vocal range. From the tender melancholy of “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” to the spine‑tingling rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” Buckley’s songs resonated intensely.

Despite his lack of commercial success during his lifetime, Buckley’s posthumous rise to fame was swift and far‑reaching. Grace garnered critical acclaim. It also earned the late singer a devoted following that grew with each passing year. Today, his interrupted body of work has fully solidified his status as a cult icon. In that way, Jeff Buckley’s tragic tale serves as a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of artistic success. The world discovered a true musical genius only in the wake of his untimely demise.

2. Herman Melville

Herman Melville was the (now world‑famous) author of a certain beloved 20th‑century book. But in his lifetime, he faced countless failures following the initial success of his debut work. Surprisingly, his first book, Typee, garnered some attention from his peers. Inspired by his experiences in the Polynesian Islands, other writers liked that one during his life. But fame and fortune mostly eluded the author. And his best (and, today, best‑known) works were sadly neglected and forgotten while he was still alive.

Of course, Moby Dick was Melville’s masterpiece. But it was actually out of print when he passed away. Plus, his other novels received mediocre reviews and failed to provide him with any sort of financial stability. Despite these hardships, Melville resorted to the lecture circuit at the time. He also persisted in his work through producing considerable amounts of poetry.

Tragically, he died abruptly in his New York City home in 1891 before ever having tasted the literary acclaim that would come posthumously. Thankfully for us, though, the literary world enjoyed a major resurgence of his works through the 20th century. Today, the name of Herman Melville will endure eternally.

1. Domenikos Theotokopoulos

The artist Domenikos Theotokopoulos is today more commonly known as El Greco. But during his lifetime in the 16th century, he may as well have been anonymous. El Greco hailed from Crete and earned his nickname after painting icons in Italy and Spain. In Venice, he absorbed the techniques of renowned artists like Titian and Tintoretto. He adopted their vibrant colors and loose brushwork. He was also heavily influenced by Michelangelo, who favored a subjective approach over realism. But he couldn’t find his own footing in the industry until after death.

Despite acknowledging Michelangelo’s talent, El Greco controversially remarked that the renowned Italian artist lacked painting skills. This view caused difficulties for him in Rome forever after. There, he struggled to secure consistent work. Forced to relocate, El Greco settled in Toledo, Spain. In that city, he produced his most famous works. However, even in Spain, his success came with challenges.

Although he received several commissions, such as the Allegory of the Holy League and the Martyrdom of St. Maurice, King Philip disliked his creations. The king relegated the St. Maurice altarpiece to the chapter‑house instead of the intended chapel. After that, he refused to offer further commissions. Scholars speculate Philip objected to El Greco’s inclusion of living individuals in religious scenes. Others wonder if it was because his works deviated from the Counter‑Reformation’s emphasis on content over style.

Critics scorned El Greco after his death too. Amazingly, it was not until the 18th century that his work garnered the recognition it deserved. Despite not dying destitute, his legacy faced immense disdain. It was only through a later reevaluation of his art that El Greco finally received the credit he was due. Of course, by then, it was several centuries too late.

Ever caught yourself humming a tune you can’t shake off, or felt a sudden wave of melancholy when a particular chord strikes? That’s no accident; it’s the result of clever sound‑craft. In this deep‑dive we’ll explore 10 ways artists employ scientific principles to steer your emotions, from the subtle color of timbre to the brain‑boosting dopamine rush of anticipation. Buckle up and get ready to see how the music you love is actually a finely tuned emotional engine.

10 ways artists: The Science Behind Musical Emotion

10. The Uncanny Valley of Timbre

Timbre is the signature fingerprint of any sound—what makes a violin sound unmistakably different from a synth, even when both hit the same pitch. Musicians tap into a psycho‑acoustic quirk called the “uncanny valley” to inject a dash of humanity into their tracks. When a tone is utterly pristine, overly exact, or purely synthetic, it can come across as cold and detached. On the flip side, a sound that’s excessively rough or heavily distorted may feel abrasive. The sweet spot lies somewhere in‑between, where a digital tone is just a shade off‑pitch, giving it a near‑human quality that’s oddly unsettling yet oddly compelling.

This “uncanny valley” in audio emerges when an artist deliberately introduces a tiny glitch—a slightly detuned synth or a vocal sample with a hint of digital artifact. That minute imperfection makes listeners sense a fragile, almost yearning presence, as if the sound is striving to be fully human. The resulting tension draws the ear in, fostering a subconscious bond with the music’s vulnerability.

A modern showcase of this technique is found in FKA twigs’ haunting track “Cellophane.” Her vocals are treated with a gentle breathiness, subtle pitch‑shifts, and faint digital noise, giving them a fragile, almost robotic timbre. The result feels like a secret, glitchy transmission of raw emotion—more intimate than a flawlessly clean vocal could ever be. By flirting with imperfection, twigs crafts a sound that feels both human and otherworldly, pulling listeners deeper into her emotional narrative.

9. Rhythmic Entrainment and Your Heartbeat

Ever notice how your foot instinctively taps along with a song’s pulse, or how you find yourself swaying without thinking? That’s rhythmic entrainment at work—a primal coupling between external beats and your internal biological rhythms. When a track features a steady, driving tempo, it can coax your heart rate to climb, flooding you with a surge of energy and excitement.

Producers wield this effect to build tension and elicit a physical response. Picture a dance‑floor anthem that starts with a lazy beat, then gradually accelerates. As the tempo climbs, your heart races in tandem, heightening anticipation until the inevitable drop lands. The music isn’t merely heard; it’s felt, coaxing your body to move in lockstep with the rhythm.

Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” is a textbook example. Though the beat loops, it never feels static; a relentless 123 BPM pulse drives the track forward. Layered vocoded vocals and meticulously synced instrumentation amplify the mechanical vigor, turning the song into a sonic engine that compels listeners to move with robotic precision. By the time the chorus erupts, your entire physiology is entrained, turning passive listening into active feeling.

8. The Tension of Dissonance

Dissonance—clashing notes that stir unease—contrasts with consonance, which offers soothing harmony. Composers weave these opposites together to sketch emotional narratives. A piece that stays purely consonant may lull the listener into calm, but it can also drift into monotony.

Injecting moments of dissonance creates a ripple of conflict or anxiety. Your brain, ever‑eager for resolution, leans in, craving the release that follows. When the composer finally resolves the tension with a consonant chord, the payoff feels like a breath of fresh air, delivering a wave of satisfaction that rewards the listener’s attention.

The Beatles masterfully deployed this technique in the opening of “A Hard Day’s Night.” The first chord—a jarring G11 with a suspended fourth—bursts forth from a twelve‑string guitar, piano, and bass, delivering a dense, dissonant wall of sound. This bold clash instantly injects frantic energy, perfectly matching the film’s playful chaos and setting the stage for the song’s iconic momentum.

7. The Power of “Loudness War” Psychology

The “Loudness War” describes the modern trend of crushing audio dynamics to make every track as loud as possible. While it sounds like a technical footnote, the psychological impact is profound. Our brains instinctively link volume with power and relevance; a louder song feels inherently more dynamic and commanding.

Artists and producers harness this bias to cut through noisy playlists and radio streams. A heavily compressed track punches through the mix, demanding attention and often evoking feelings of aggression or intensity. The sheer physical force of a louder mix can dominate a listener’s auditory landscape, ensuring the song stands out.

Green Day’s “American Idiot” epitomizes this approach. Guitars, drums, and vocals are all pushed to the brink, creating a wall of sound that feels both confrontational and exhilarating. The amplified loudness isn’t merely a production choice—it’s a bold statement, turning the music into an unapologetic sonic assault.

6. The Pitch‑Emotion Connection

Pitch—the height or depth of a note—does more than define melody; it conveys emotion. High pitches naturally spark excitement, tension, and a sense of upward motion, while low pitches tend to evoke calm, sorrow, and stability. Musicians exploit this link to sculpt the emotional contour of their work.

Ascending lines can stir hope or anticipation, as if something is building toward a climax. Descending passages, conversely, can paint melancholy or resolution, suggesting a gentle falling or closure. These subtle shifts guide listeners on an unconscious emotional journey.

John Williams’ iconic two‑note motif for “Jaws” exemplifies this principle. The low, repetitive two‑note figure, delivered by cello and double bass, instantly summons a primal dread. Its deep pitch resonates with our innate fear of unseen threats lurking beneath the surface, turning a simple melody into a terror‑inducing alarm.

5. The “Love‑Hurt” Effect of Minor Keys

We all know the shorthand: major keys sound bright, minor keys sound sad. Yet the science behind that feeling is richer. Minor scales employ intervals—like the minor third—that introduce a subtle tension, a sense of incompleteness that our brains interpret as emotional complexity.

This lingering tension grants minor‑key songs a bittersweet flavor, blending longing, melancholy, and even romantic yearning. Rather than delivering outright sadness, the minor tonality paints a nuanced emotional portrait, capturing the paradox of love that both lifts and wounds.

Adele’s “Someone Like You” showcases this effect masterfully. The piano’s minor‑key progression, paired with her soaring vocal performance, amplifies themes of heartbreak and yearning. The minor tonality doesn’t merely make the track sad; it infuses it with wistful longing, deepening the listener’s emotional immersion.

4. Harmonic Series Manipulation

The harmonic series is the natural ladder of overtones that sprout from a single fundamental pitch. When you hear a note, you’re actually hearing a complex blend of fainter, higher‑frequency tones that give each instrument its unique color.

Artists can accentuate particular overtones to shape emotional perception. Emphasizing lower harmonics yields a warm, full, comforting timbre, whereas boosting higher harmonics creates brightness, edge, or even aggression. Our brains translate these tonal hues into feelings, much like visual colors evoke moods.

Jimi Hendrix’s iconic use of a wah‑wah pedal on “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” illustrates this principle. By sweeping the pedal, he sculpts the guitar’s harmonic content, making the instrument speak with a vocal‑like expressiveness that can’t be replicated by a static tone. The result is an emotionally charged, dynamic voice that rides the harmonic spectrum.

3. Psychoacoustic Effects and the “Room”

Psychoacoustics studies how we perceive sound, and one of its most potent tools is the creation of a “virtual space” through reverb and delay. Our ears decode reflected sound waves to gauge the size and shape of an environment, allowing musicians to conjure the illusion of vast cathedrals or cramped clubs.

Long, lush reverbs can evoke grandeur, awe, or isolation, while short, tight reverbs bring intimacy, making the performer feel right in front of you. By shaping these spatial cues, artists craft an auditory backdrop that amplifies the emotional tone of a piece.

Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” serves as a textbook case. Tracks like “The Great Gig in the Sky” bathe vocals in sweeping, ethereal reverb, transporting listeners to an otherworldly expanse. The sonic architecture makes the performance feel both massive and transcendent, deepening the emotional impact.

2. The Dopamine Rush of Anticipation

Our love for music isn’t just about the sounds we hear; it’s also about the predictions our brains make. While a track plays, the mind constantly forecasts the next chord, rhythm, or melody. When those expectations are met, dopamine floods the brain, delivering a feel‑good surge.

Artists exploit this feedback loop by building tension and then rewarding it with a powerful payoff—be it a soaring chorus, a thunderous drum fill, or an unexpected melodic twist. The most compelling songs balance expectation and surprise, keeping listeners hooked and emotionally satisfied.

Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know the Better” demonstrates this art. Its simple, looping bassline creates a steady groove that heightens anticipation. When the chorus erupts, layering a funky vocal melody over the bass, the brain’s predicted pattern is not just fulfilled but amplified, delivering a delightful dopamine rush.

1. The Auditory Cortex and the “Hook”

The ultimate goal for many songwriters is to carve a hook that lodges itself in the listener’s mind long after the music stops. This isn’t merely about catchiness; it’s a neuroscientific strategy. A hook is a concise, repetitive phrase that targets the auditory cortex—the brain region responsible for processing and storing sound.

By blending singable melodies, predictable rhythms, and familiar harmonic progressions, artists craft hooks that are effortlessly processed and retained. Adding a unique, slightly unexpected twist ensures the hook stands out among countless auditory stimuli.

Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” provides a textbook illustration. The simple, repetitive “ra‑ra‑ah‑ah‑ah” chant is instantly memorable, yet the staccato delivery of the “ah‑ah‑ah” segment injects an unusual flavor that catches the ear. This combination makes the hook a true earworm, looping in the auditory cortex long after playback ends.

Welcome to our celebration of the 10 incredible female talent shaping the comic book universe today. A quiet revolution has taken root in the dazzling world of comics, where vibrant panels burst with stories of heroism, fantasy, and conflict. For years, the industry was a male‑dominated arena, but times are changing and a new era has dawned—one marked by the rise of remarkably skilled women who are redefining visual storytelling.

10 Incredible Female Artists Leading the Charge

10 The Trailblazing Artistry of Fiona Staples

Fiona Staples has revolutionized the comic book world with her groundbreaking work, particularly in the critically acclaimed Saga series. Her innovative approach to storytelling and character design has not only garnered a vast, devoted fanbase but has also redefined what is possible within the medium of comic books. Staples’ art is characterized by its dynamic compositions, vibrant colors, and remarkable ability to convey deep emotional narratives through subtle visual cues.

Her work on Saga has been pivotal in pushing the boundaries of the genre, blending science fiction and fantasy with poignant, relatable human experiences. The impact of Staples’ contributions extends far beyond the pages of her creations. As a beacon for aspiring artists, particularly women in a historically male‑dominated field, she has opened doors and shattered ceilings.

Staples’ accolades, including multiple Eisner and Harvey Awards, are a testament to her prowess and influence in the industry. Her legacy is not just in the stunning visuals she crafts but in the way she has masterfully woven inclusivity and diversity into the fabric of comic book culture, proving that the pen, or in this case, the stylus, is indeed mightier than the sword.

9 Amanda Conner’s Unique Blend of Energy and Humor

Amanda Conner’s artistry in the comic book industry is a vibrant explosion of energy, humor, and expressive storytelling. Known for her distinctive work on Power Girl and Harley Quinn, Conner has a unique ability to infuse her characters with life, making each panel burst with personality and dynamic expression. Her style is not just about visual aesthetics; it’s about creating a connection between the characters and the readers, often through humor and relatability that transcends the typical superhero narrative.

Conner’s contributions to the comic book world extend beyond her art; she has been instrumental in bringing female characters to the forefront, showcasing them not just as sidekicks or love interests but as complex, powerful protagonists with stories worth telling. Her portrayal of Harley Quinn, in particular, has been celebrated for balancing the character’s chaotic energy with moments of depth and vulnerability, offering a fresh take on an iconic character.

Amanda Conner’s work challenges the norms of comic book storytelling, proving that a good laugh can be just as impactful as a dramatic battle scene in bringing characters to life and engaging the audience.

8 Becky Cloonan’s Journey Through Gotham

Becky Cloonan stands as a pivotal figure in the comic book industry, marking her territory as the first woman to draw the main Batman series for DC Comics. This historic achievement is not just a personal milestone for Cloonan but a beacon of progress in the diversification of the comic book world.

Her artistry blends a unique mix of indie sensibilities with mainstream appeal, creating a Gotham City that feels both familiar and eerily enchanting. Her Batman is a shadowy figure that moves through the night with grace and vulnerability seldom explored, making her contributions to the series both groundbreaking and deeply humanistic. Cloonan’s work transcends her milestone with Batman, touching on a variety of genres and stories that showcase her versatility and depth as an artist.

Her ability to convey complex emotions and atmospheric tension through her pencil strokes has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Beyond her technical skills, Cloonan’s success has paved the way for future generations of female artists in the industry, challenging the status quo and inspiring a more inclusive comic book community.

Her legacy is not just in the characters she brings to life but in the doors she has opened for others. Becky Cloonan’s journey through Gotham and beyond is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and the breaking of barriers, proving that the world of comic books is vast and varied, waiting to be shaped by the next generation of artists.

7 The Versatile Worlds of Jill Thompson

Jill Thompson’s artistry in the comic book realm is a mesmerizing journey through a canvas of dreams, where the whimsical and the macabre dance in harmony. Her award‑winning work on The Sandman alongside Neil Gaiman has been celebrated for its ethereal beauty and intricate detail, capturing the essence of dreams and nightmares with a delicate touch uniquely hers.

Thompson’s versatility shines as she transitions from the dark, brooding realms of The Sandman to the colorful, spirited world of her original creation, Scary Godmother. This range not only showcases her skill as an artist but also her ability to adapt and innovate across genres and themes.

Beyond her ability to enchant and terrify, Thompson’s work carries a profound sense of emotion and depth, inviting readers to look beyond the surface and find the stories woven into the very fabric of her art. Her characters are not merely figures on a page but beings with histories, dreams, and fears, rendered with an empathy that resonates with readers of all ages.

Jill Thompson’s contributions to the comic book industry are a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and explore the depths of the human (and sometimes non‑human) experience. Through her visionary work, Thompson has carved a niche that is both fantastical and profoundly human, reminding us of the magic that exists at the intersection of ink and imagination.

6 The Elegant Tapestry of Colleen Doran

Colleen Doran’s career in the comic book industry weaves an elegant tapestry that blends the fantastical with the meticulously real. Her extensive body of work, including the seminal series A Distant Soil and contributions to The Sandman, showcases a detailed art style that is both elegant and intricate.

Doran’s ability to create expansive worlds and intimate character portraits with equal finesse has made her a respected figure among peers and fans alike. Her artistry goes beyond mere illustration; Doran infuses each panel with a depth of emotion and storytelling that elevates the narrative. Her characters are imbued with a sense of life and movement often missing in the static pages of comic books, turning each story into a living, breathing entity.

Doran’s legacy is not just in the pages she has illustrated, but in the barriers she has broken down for women in the comic book industry. Through her dedication, talent, and vision, Colleen Doran has paved the way for future artists, demonstrating that comics are richer and more diverse because of her contributions.

5 Emma Ríos’s Visual Poetry

Emma Ríos’s contributions to the comic book industry are a breathtaking blend of visual poetry and narrative depth, marking her as a unique voice in a sea of artists. Known for her work on Pretty Deadly, Ríos has a distinctive style that merges the ethereal with the grounded, creating a mesmerizing reading experience that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Ríos’s artistry is not just in the images she creates, but in the spaces she leaves open for interpretation, inviting readers to dive deeper into the layers of story and symbolism. Her panels are not merely pictures but portals into worlds where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, challenging perceptions and encouraging exploration.

Emma Ríos has carved out a niche that transcends traditional comic book art through her innovative approach and commitment to storytelling. She has contributed significantly to the medium and inspired a new generation of artists to explore the vast possibilities within the pages of a comic book. Ríos’s work is a testament to the power of visual storytelling, reminding us that art can be both a mirror and a window to the world.

4 Babs Tarr and the New Age of Batgirl

Babs Tarr burst onto the comic book scene with a style so fresh and energetic that it revitalized not just the character of Batgirl but also the very medium itself. Her tenure on Batgirl brought a new generation of readers to the fold, drawn in by her vibrant artwork and innovative approach to storytelling.

Tarr’s art is a dynamic blend of modern sensibilities with a nod to classic comic traditions, creating a visual experience that is both familiar and utterly new. Her Batgirl is a character full of life, embodying strength, intelligence, and a relatable vulnerability that has endeared her to fans worldwide.

However, Tarr’s influence extends beyond the pages of her comics. She has become a symbol of change in the industry, advocating for diversity and representation in comic book narratives and the creative teams that bring these stories to life. Her work on Batgirl has shown that superhero comics can be accessible, fun, and deeply meaningful, resonating with a wide audience and challenging the status quo.

Babs Tarr’s contributions to the comic book industry signify more than just artistic achievement; they represent a cultural shift toward inclusivity and innovation. By reimagining Batgirl for a new era, Tarr has left an indelible mark on the world of comics, proving that with enough creativity and passion, old heroes can find new life and new audiences.

3 Sana Takeda: Crafting Worlds Where Beauty Meets the Beastly

Sana Takeda’s artistry in the comic book realm is a breathtaking fusion of delicate beauty and monstrous elegance, best exemplified in her work on Monstress. Takeda has crafted a universe so rich and detailed that each panel could be a standalone masterpiece, yet they come together to tell a story that is both epic and deeply personal.

Her illustrations are a testament to her skill in blending Eastern and Western art influences, creating a visual storytelling language that is uniquely her own. The world of Monstress is a place where the grotesque and the gorgeous are intertwined, where Takeda’s characters navigate through landscapes that are as stunning as they are dangerous.

Takeda’s work goes beyond mere illustration; it’s a narrative force in its own right, conveying emotion, tension, and the story’s nuances without a single word. Her ability to depict complex characters and intricate worlds has garnered her numerous accolades and challenged the conventions of the comic book genre. Through her art, Takeda invites readers into realms that defy expectation, where beauty is found in the most unexpected places, and strength comes in many forms.

Sana Takeda’s contributions to the comic book industry are a vivid reminder of the power of visual art to transport, transform, and transcend. Through her visionary work, she has opened doors to new worlds that captivate the imagination and stir the soul, establishing her as a true master of her craft.

2 G. Willow Wilson’s Creative Crusade

G. Willow Wilson has carved a unique space for herself in the comic book industry, not just with her evocative storytelling but also with her role in reshaping the landscape of modern superheroes. As the co‑creator of Kamala Khan, the first Muslim character to headline a Marvel comic book (Ms. Marvel), Wilson has used her platform to weave narratives that challenge perceptions, celebrate diversity, and speak powerfully to a new generation of readers.

Her work transcends the traditional boundaries of comic book genres, blending fantasy, religion, and real‑world social commentary into stories that resonate with a profound sense of humanity. Wilson’s creative vision is a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for change.

Through Kamala Khan, she has introduced a character who is not only a superhero but a symbol of resilience, identity, and the struggles of growing up as an immigrant in America. This groundbreaking creation has won her critical acclaim and sparked important conversations about representation and inclusivity in comics and beyond.

The impact of G. Willow Wilson’s contributions cannot be overstated. By bringing diverse voices to the forefront of popular culture, she has opened the door for more inclusive storytelling, proving that the pen can indeed be mightier than the sword. Her legacy is one of inspiration, challenging both creators and readers to imagine a world where everyone can see themselves as heroes.

1 Joëlle Jones: Sculpting the Noir Elegance of Comic Art

Joëlle Jones has masterfully carved her niche within the comic book industry with sleek and stylish art that captivates at first glance. Her work on Lady Killer, a series that combines the aesthetics of 1950s advertising with the dark underbelly of assassination and intrigue, showcases Jones’s ability to blend beauty with brutality in a dance of ink and paper.

This noir elegance, coupled with her contributions to Batman, has redefined the visual language of comic books, introducing a blend of classic and modern that resonates with a diverse audience. Jones’s artistry is marked by its dynamic characters and detailed settings, each panel meticulously crafted to tell a story beyond words.

Her characters are not merely drawn; they are sculpted with a depth of emotion and complexity that brings them to life, engaging the reader’s imagination and pulling them deeper into the narrative. Her distinctive style is both a tribute to the past and a bold step forward, pushing the boundaries of what comic art can be.

Joëlle Jones has become a beacon for aspiring artists and a prominent voice in the comic book community through her innovative approach and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her work not only entertains but challenges and inspires, proving that the true power of comic art lies in its ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought. Jones’s legacy is one of elegance, empowerment, and endless possibilities, firmly establishing her as a visionary in the field.

Many consider dreams to be a door into the subconscious mind. The hidden truths they reveal can appear in various forms. Nightmares that evoke disgust, shame, or sorrow or terrify you to your very core are one. Or they could show up as a thrilling, once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience you don’t want to wake up from—and just about everything in between. For some, they can even inspire masterpieces, the likes of which the world has never seen. Check out these 10 masterpieces plucked from the artist’s subconscious.

10 Masterpieces Plucked From Dreams

10 “#9 Dream” (1974): John Lennon

After a months‑long bout of writer’s block, John Lennon fell into a “half‑sleep” and heard a mysterious voice speak to him in a language he didn’t understand. The sound jolted him from his sleep, and the words kept playing in his mind: “Ah! böwakawa poussé, poussé.” For the first time in months, lyrics flowed freely. Lennon discussed the process of writing the song in an interview with BBC:

“That’s what I call craftsmanship writing, meaning, you know, I just churned that out. I’m not putting it down, it’s just what it is, but I just sat down and wrote it, you know, with no real inspiration, based on a dream I’d had.”

May Pang, an Apple Corps employee with whom Lennon had a Yoko‑Ono‑authorized short affair, described the track as one of his favorite songs from his 1974 album Walls and Bridges:

“This was one of John’s favourite songs… because it literally came to him in a dream. He woke up and wrote down those words along with the melody. He had no idea what it meant, but he thought it sounded beautiful. John arranged the strings in such a way that the song really does sound like a dream.”

9 Songs of Innocence (1789): William Blake

William Blake, an English poet, artist, and printmaker, pioneered a printing method he used to create some of his most famous works. These include Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience, two illustrated books of poetry that provide a “profound commentary on the human condition, from the purity of youth [Songs of Innocence] to the harsh realities of life [Songs of Experience].” To create the “illuminated” works, Blake used copper plates for the text and illustrations, then finished each picture by hand with watercolors.

Even more unique than the artworks was the inspiration for the printing process used to make them, which Blake described as a dream in which his youngest brother, Robert, visited. Blake was training his brother in drawing, painting, and engraving when Robert suddenly fell ill during the winter of 1787. As Robert died, Blake claims to have watched his spirit rise through the ceiling, “clapping its hands for joy.” Robert continued to visit him after that, eventually showing him the printing method for which Blake would become renowned.

8 Waking Life (2001): Richard Linklater

An image near the beginning of independent filmmaker Richard Linklater’s movie Waking Life was based on one of his childhood dreams. In the scene, a 9‑10‑year‑old boy wearing a striped T‑shirt holds the handle of the family car when his body suddenly begins to float upward. A mysterious force appears to pull him up and away from the world and its “everyday reality.” Holding onto the car with all his strength, the boy resists the temptation to drift away.

“That’s a very early memory of mine,” said Linklater, “I call it a memory, but obviously it took place in a dream state. When you’re a little kid, you don’t really make the distinction that clearly. As you get older, you build up a solid model of real versus unreal, and you start depreciating the unreal. But that moment was weird. I remember it very clearly because it was scary but kind of exhilarating—a sort of non‑gravity, upward pull away from what you felt the whole world was, but at the same time, there was some force begging me to stay. That was some strange memory.”

7 The Red Book (2009): Carl Jung

Carl Jung’s famous Red Book is a compilation of illustrated journal entries from a particularly dark period in his life when he was “haunted” by troubling visions and heard inner voices. He ultimately considered this time a “confrontation with the unconscious.” Though kept private during his lifetime, the entries were found and published after his death.

Journalist Sara Corbett describes The Red Book as “a kind of phantasmagoric morality play, driven by Jung’s own wish not just to chart a course out of the mangrove swamp of his inner world but also to take some of its riches with him. It was this last part – the idea that a person might move beneficially between the poles of the rational and irrational, the light and the dark, the conscious and the unconscious—that provided the germ for his later work and for what analytical psychology would become.”

Or, in Jung’s own words, “All my works, all my creative activity, has come from those initial fantasies and dreams.”

6 Frankenstein (1816): Mary Shelley + Other Classics

Mary Shelley wrote in her preface to the novel Frankenstein that her inspiration came from a nightmare she had while staying in Geneva with the poet Lord Byron. When she went to sleep, she wrote:

“I saw—with shut eyes but acute mental vision—I saw the pale student of the unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life and stir with an uneasy, half‑vital motion…”

Similarly, Robert Louis Stevenson is said to have developed the storyline for The Curious Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde after a nightmare where he witnessed “a man forced into a cabinet after ingesting a potion that would ‘convert him into a brutal monster.’”

Another example is Bram Stoker’s (1897) Dracula. According to his son, Stoker claimed the book’s inspiration came from a nightmare induced by “a too‑generous helping of dressed crab at supper”—one of several theories supported by his notes.

5 Book of Dreams (1960): Jack Kerouac

Dreams were a consistent source of inspiration for American writer Jack Kerouac, a pioneer of the Beat Generation of the 1950s. He believed they held a more profound meaning beyond the surface level and eventually published a collection of personal dream journal entries titled Book of Dreams. In it, he writes: “Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.” Through his writing, Kerouac presents a fascinating insight into his mind and creative process while encouraging readers to examine their dreams as a powerful tool for self‑discovery and artistic expression.

The Book of Dreams defies traditional structures and styles by its lack of organization. Divided into sections, each with its theme, there is no straightforward narrative or plot. Kerouac presents the dreams in a stream‑of‑consciousness style that reflects how dreams unfold. Also thrown into the mix is a dream that inspired Kerouac’s most famous novel, On the Road, in which he saw himself and his friend Neal Cassady driving cross‑country in a car.

4 Dreamcatcher (2001): Stephen King

In 1990, a minivan smashed into Stephen King as he walked down a country road near his home in North Lovell, Maine. He underwent three operations and endured a months‑long recovery, during which he experienced vivid dreams. Some of these dreams ultimately led to the creation of one of his best‑selling novels, Dreamcatcher, later adapted as a film directed by Lawrence Kasdan.

“The first really strong idea that occurred to me after the accident was four guys in a cabin in the woods,” said King. “Then you introduce this one guy who staggers into the camp saying, ‘I don’t feel well,’ and he brings this awful hitchhiker with him. I dreamed a lot about that cabin and those guys in it.”

Due to the severity of his injuries, King was unable to type. He wrote the story in longhand in just six months. His vivid dreams were the closest he had gotten to the type of otherworldly phenomena present in so much of his work.

3 The Devil’s Trill Sonata (1799): Giuseppe Tartini

Giuseppe Tartini’s most famous musical piece, “Violin Sonata in G Minor”—more famously known as “The Devil’s Trill”—contains a dreamlike harmonic vibe and a melody that is hauntingly poignant and deeply dramatic. It is one of the most challenging scores to play, even by today’s standards. Equally stirring is the sonata’s inspiration: a nightmare in which Tartini made a pact with the devil.

Tartini explained in an interview with French astronomer Jerome Lalande just moments before his death on February 26, 1770:

“One night, in the year 1713, I dreamed I had made a pact with the devil for my soul. Everything went as I wished: my new servant anticipated my every desire. Among other things, I gave him my violin to see if he could play. How great was my astonishment on hearing a sonata so wonderful and so beautiful, played with such great art and intelligence, as I had never even conceived in my boldest flights of fantasy.

I felt enraptured, transported, enchanted: my breath failed me, and I awoke. I immediately grasped my violin in order to retain, in part at least, the impression of my dream. In vain! The music which I at this time composed is indeed the best that I ever wrote, and I still call it the ‘Devil’s Trill,’ but the difference between it and that which so moved me is so great that I would have destroyed my instrument and have said farewell to music forever if it had been possible for me to live without the enjoyment it affords me.”

2 Persistence of Memory (1931): Salvador Dali

Spanish artist Salvador Dali considered sleep as a tool that could fuel his Surrealist practice due to its connection to the unconscious mind. He would take many brief naps to enter into a “fleeting hyper‑associative state,” enabling him to combine unpredictable associations and concepts to challenge perceptions and evoke dreams. It was a technique that became known as the Paranoiac‑Critical Method. In the artist’s words, the technique was a “spontaneous method of irrational knowledge” that allowed him to tap into his subconscious and explore the depths of his psyche.

The unusual method relied on self‑induced paranoia and hallucinations, allowing Dali accurately to create “hand‑painted dream photographs” that were simultaneously rotted in realism and fantasy, deliberately designed to confuse the viewer’s eye. He used this method to make many artworks, including one of his most iconic paintings, The Persistence of Memory. Dali hallucinated the entire scene before painting what he saw.

1 Avatar (2009): James Cameron

More than one idea for a movie scene has come from what James Cameron describes as his “spectacular dreams.” As he said in an interview with GQ magazine, “I have my own private streaming service that’s better than any of the sh*t out there. And it runs every night for free.”

Not only did he dream of the iconic scene in Aliens where Ripley sees the Alien Queen after standing in a silent room full of eggs, but his fantasy epic, Avatar, also came from his subconscious:

“I woke up after dreaming of this kind of bioluminescent forest with these trees that look kind of like fiberoptic lamps and this river that was glowing bioluminescent particles and kind of purple moss on the ground that lit up when you walked on it… And these kinds of lizards that didn’t look much until they took off. And then they turned into these rotating fans, kind of like living Frisbees, and they come down and land on something.”

When he woke up, he was so excited that he drew it. The drawing later saved him from at least ten lawsuits after some claimed he’d “beamed the idea out of their head.”

When it comes to pushing the envelope of creativity, 10 artists insanely are redefining what art can be. From using office software as a canvas to employing the most intimate parts of the body as brushes, these creators turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, often leaving viewers alternating between awe and disbelief.

10 Artists Insanely Showcase Unconventional Techniques

10 Tatsuo Horiuchi Draws With Microsoft Excel

When most people hear “Microsoft Excel,” they picture rows of numbers and dull charts. Japanese artist Tatsuo Horiuchi flips that expectation on its head, turning the spreadsheet program into his personal drawing studio.

Horiuchi only discovered Excel’s artistic potential as he neared retirement, having never opened the program before. He watched coworkers craft colorful graphs and thought, “Why not use these vibrant cells to sketch?” The idea stuck, and he began crafting intricate pieces entirely within Excel’s grid.

He rejected pricey graphic software, noting that Excel came pre‑installed on Windows and was essentially free. Today, Horiuchi boasts a portfolio of astonishing Excel artworks, insisting the tool feels more intuitive to him than even Microsoft Paint.

9 Tim Patch Paints With His Penis

Australian performer Tim Patch, better known by his moniker “Pricasso,” has taken the phrase “painting with a brush” to a literal—and very literal—extreme, using his penis as the instrument.

The inspiration struck at a Christmas party, where Patch realized no one else had tried such a method. A quick internet search confirmed his hunch, and he set out to make his mark—quite literally—on the canvas world.

Initially, he dipped his member directly into acrylic paint, but the rough canvas proved uncomfortable. These days he mixes the paint with petroleum jelly, creating a smoother medium that lets his unique brush glide across the surface without irritation.

8 Martin Von Ostrowski Paints With Poop And Semen

German provocateur Martin von Ostrowski has built a reputation for using his own bodily fluids—specifically feces and semen—as pigments, producing portraits that shock and intrigue in equal measure.

His first headline‑making work was a portrait of Adolf Hitler rendered entirely from his own poop. He later tackled other historical German figures, including Friedrich the Great, Otto von Bismarck, and Kaiser Wilhelm II, each painted with the same unconventional medium.

Ostrowski’s fascination with semen began after observing an anonymous 1988 oil painting that featured ejaculatory marks. Rather than mimic the original artist’s on‑canvas act, he chose to masturbate, freeze his semen, and use it as paint. He estimates that between 2003 and 2008 he needed over 1,000 orgasms, with roughly 40 ejaculations required for a single portrait. The Berlin Gay Museum once noted that the dried semen’s scent could evoke sexual responses in viewers, but Ostrowski insists his approach is simply “organic.”

7 Milo Moire Paints With Her Vagina

Performance artist Milo Moire has taken the concept of “painting with the body” to a new level, employing her vagina as the primary tool in a practice she calls PlopEgg painting.

Moire inserts small, ink‑filled eggs into her vagina, then positions herself over a canvas and releases the eggs, which burst on impact, creating a vivid splash effect. One of her noted works, The PlopEgg Painting Performance #1—A Birth Of A Picture, showcases this striking technique.

While Moire frames the practice as a feminist statement, reactions have been mixed. Jezebel praised it as “the best advertisement you’ll ever see for Kegel exercises,” whereas The Guardian dismissed it as “silly” and labeled it a “joke,” suggesting the piece was more a desperate bid for attention than a genuine artistic statement.

6 Uwe Max Jensen Also Paints With His Penis

Danish creator Uwe Max Jensen isn’t shy about using his genitals as a painting tool, following in the footsteps of Australian artist Tim Patch.

Jensen’s most talked‑about piece recreates Kim Kardashian’s iconic “Break the Internet” photograph, where she famously displayed her bare backside. He achieved this by dipping his penis in acrylic paint and pressing it directly onto the canvas, noting that a larger organ allows for finer detail work.

In an interview with The Daily Dot, Jensen explained that the Kardashian portrait was his second penis‑based artwork; the first depicted a Danish male politician. He gifted the political portrait to a friend and sent a photo to the politician via Facebook, who promptly blocked him. Beyond his genital brushwork, Jensen has also gained notoriety for vandalizing a Little Mermaid statue and urinating into a museum water sculpture.

5 Graham Fink Draws With His Eyes

Graham Fink creates drawings solely with the movement of his eyes, guided by custom software that translates ocular motion into on‑screen lines.

Working with a programmer, Fink set up a system that shines two infrared lights into his eyes while a camera tracks their movement. The software then smooths the captured motion into visible lines on his computer, producing a drawing in real time.

This method demands intense concentration: the artist must maintain uninterrupted eye contact, as breaking the gaze would halt the portrait. Fink cannot erase any strokes, and depending on his focus, a single piece can take anywhere from five minutes to an hour to complete.

4 Ian Sklarsky Draws With A Single Line And Doesn’t Look At His Artwork

Ian Sklarsky practices blind contour drawing, a technique that forces the artist to sketch without ever looking at the paper until the piece is finished.

He’s been honing this skill since childhood, often setting up a portable station at bars and events where he creates one‑line portraits for curious onlookers. Each drawing typically takes about seven minutes, after which he may add color once he finally glances at his work.

3 Steven Spazuk Paints With Fire

While most artists keep flames at a safe distance, Steven Spazuk embraces fire as a core component of his creative process, employing the soot it generates rather than the flame itself.

This technique, known as fumage, has historical roots that trace back to early cave painters. Spazuk positions his canvas directly above a candle or blowtorch, allowing soot to rise and settle onto the paper, forming dark, spontaneous outlines.

After the soot pattern appears, he refines the image using pencils, feathers, or occasional acrylic accents, carefully balancing the distance to avoid igniting the paper while still capturing enough soot for a clear imprint.

Spazuk’s inspiration came from a vivid dream where he wandered through a gallery drenched in black‑and‑white soot after a fire. Initial experiments saw the paper burn, prompting him to switch to thicker cardboard, which finally withstood the soot‑laden environment.

The result is a haunting blend of accidental charcoal‑like markings and deliberate artistic intervention, producing pieces that feel both primal and meticulously crafted.

2 John Bramblitt Paints Despite Being Blind

John Bramblitt defied expectations by becoming a prolific painter after losing his sight at age 30 due to complications from epilepsy.

Plunged into deep depression following his blindness, Bramblitt discovered painting as a therapeutic outlet. He creates his works by feeling the contours of his own sketches, using his fingertips to trace outlines, and discerning colors by their tactile texture.

Even portraiture isn’t out of reach: Bramblitt feels a subject’s facial features, forming a mental map that guides his hand as he translates touch into vivid, colorful representations on canvas.

1 Katsu Draws With Drones And His Poop

Graffiti’s cat‑and‑mouse game just got a high‑tech upgrade thanks to Katsu, an anonymous street artist who pioneered “drone graffiti” by attaching a spray can to a DJI Phantom and soaring it onto a six‑story billboard of Kendall Jenner in Manhattan’s SoHo.

Beyond aerial vandalism, Katsu earned notoriety for a grotesque portrait of Mark Zuckerberg rendered entirely with his own feces. A fan of Thai cuisine, he deliberately consumed large meals before the act, ensuring a substantial output.

To achieve the portrait, Katsu filled a container with his excrement, using a mirror to verify the material’s flow. He then meticulously drew Zuckerberg’s likeness, treating his poop like a pencil.

Given the obvious mess, Katsu switched gloves frequently, donned a respirator, and burned incense to mask the odor. He notes that the high moisture content of feces makes it a tricky medium, prone to smearing and damaging the canvas.

If you’re hunting for the top 10 most groundbreaking names in synthwave, you’ve come to the right place. From neon‑lit nights to cinematic soundtracks, these artists have defined the genre and keep the 80s spirit alive in every synth‑laden beat.

Why These Are the Top 10 Most Influential Synthwave Artists

Each of the following musicians has left an indelible mark on the synthwave scene, whether through iconic tracks, pioneering production techniques, or unforgettable live shows. Let’s dive into why they matter.

10 NINA

Meet the German powerhouse often hailed as the Mother of Synthians. NINA burst onto the scene when her single “We Are The Wild Ones” landed a spot on the Syfy series Being Human back in 2013. From there she built a formidable catalog, culminating in her 2018 debut album Sleepwalking, which showcased her soaring vocals and sharp songwriting chops.

NINA has cemented herself as one of the leading ladies of synthwave. Her reputation has grown far beyond the studio; she now tours worldwide with a full band, delivering electrifying live performances that keep fans coming back for more.

9 84

Originally a one‑person project helmed by Col Bennett, FM‑84 transformed after the 2016 collaboration with vocalist Ollie Wride on the hit “Running In The Night.” That partnership clicked so well that Wride officially joined the act, turning FM‑84 into a full‑fledged band.

Their debut album Atlas (2016) captures the essence of classic 80s rock, offering a sun‑kissed drive‑through‑the‑palm‑trees vibe that defines synthwave nostalgia. It’s the kind of record that makes you want to hit the highway with the top down.

8 Tokyo Rose

[WARNING: The video above may cause epileptic fits in those with photosensitive epilepsy.] Hailing from New Jersey, Tokyo Rose has been a fixture in the synthwave community for nearly a decade, debuting with the EP Chases in 2014. He quickly forged a signature blend of cyber‑punk grit and dark electro, earning respect across the scene.

Partnering with longtime friend ALEX, Tokyo Rose released two collaborative albums—Akuma (2017) and its sequel Akuma II (2019). Both projects garnered critical acclaim and even cracked the Billboard charts, a rare feat for artists in the so‑called “Synth‑verse.”

7 Timecop1983

American producer Timecop1983 is often seen as the embodiment of traditional synthwave. He debuted with the 2014 EP Daydreaming, delivering smooth, melodic tracks that instantly evoked the 1980s dance‑floor vibe.

Inspired heavily by the 2011 film Drive, Timecop has collaborated with virtually every heavyweight in the genre and shows no signs of slowing down. His ninth album was slated for a 2020 release, promising yet another dose of retro bliss.

6 Jessie Frye

Not all synthwave stars start out in the genre. Texas‑born Jessie Frye first made a name as a rock vocalist before plunging into synthwave in the summer of 2018. Her breakout came with a feature on Timecop1983’s “Faded Memory,” instantly propelling her into the spotlight.

Since then she’s dropped singles like “Fantasy” and “Angel,” and teamed up on tracks such as “We Are The Night” with DJ Ten and “Fractions” with Wayfloe. These collaborations cemented her status as a genre‑defining vocalist, and fans are eagerly awaiting her upcoming album Kiss Me In The Rain.

5 Starcadian

Producer‑director Starcadian entered the synthwave arena in 2011, gaining major attention with the 2012 track “HE^RT.” Unlike many peers, his influence stretches beyond music; his compositions have appeared in films, TV shows, and even video‑game commercials like those for League of Legends.

He labels his releases as “original soundtracks” or “ear movies,” giving each project a cinematic weight. His technical mastery has led to collaborations with industry leaders such as iZotope and Arturia, helping shape new synth tools for the next generation of producers.

4 The Midnight

Anyone who’s dipped even a toe into synthwave knows The Midnight. Their 2014 EP Days Of Thunder announced them as the genre’s textbook example, and they’ve kept the momentum rolling ever since.

Their 2016 debut album Endless Summer became a staple, while 2017’s Nocturnal broke into Billboard’s Dance/Electronic chart at #17. With dreamy soundscapes that feel like a nostalgic night‑time reverie, they’ve sold out arenas worldwide and remain the genre’s front‑runners.

3 Wayfloe

Canada’s mysterious duo Wayfloe may be newer to the list, but they’re already carving out a unique niche. Their 2019 album Neon West earned praise for its inventive blend of styles, forging a sub‑genre that’s unmistakably theirs.

Even with a single album under their belt, Wayfloe’s track “Fractions” (featuring Jessie Frye) topped Iron Skullet’s “Top 40 Synthwave Songs of 2019,” outpacing heavyweights like The Midnight, FM‑84, and even The Weeknd.

2 Danger

On the darker side of the spectrum lies Franck Rivoire, better known as Danger. A veteran of the scene, he’s often credited as a true pioneer, mixing electronic beats with the eerie feel of retro horror soundtracks.

His releases are famously titled with dates and times—think “88:88,” “9:20,” or the debut EP “09/14/2007”—each marking a personal milestone. Danger’s off‑beat approach continues to push the genre’s boundaries.

1 Kavinsky

If anyone can claim to have shaped synthwave’s very DNA, it’s Kavinsky. Bursting onto the scene in 2006, his brooding French‑style productions quickly set him apart from peers like Daft Punk and Justice.

His breakout came when “Nightcall” featured in Ryan Gosling’s 2011 film Drive, catapulting him into mainstream consciousness. The subsequent album OutRun became a template for countless producers, even though Kavinsky hasn’t released new music since 2013, leaving fans yearning for a comeback.