Cerberus, 1980

Marcel Chirnoaga  

Cerberus is an original engraving by Marcel Chirnoaga (Romanian, 1930-2008), one of the most important artists of fantasy painting and mythology subjects of the twentieth century. The work is taken from the "Inevitable Monsters" series, a handmade book by the artist, which includes 13 etchings on mythological creatures.

Hand-signed lower right, numbered lower left, edition of 56/70 prints. Size of the sheet: 58 x 40 cm. The work of art represents a landscape of furious Cerebrus, through an intense black color, skillfully represented by quick and confident strokes, showing the mysterious and wild nature.

In Greek mythology, the monstrous Cerebrus is a guard dog of the underworld. It was generally said to have three heads, guarding the entrance to the underworld over which the god Hades ruled. Cerebrus has great strength, preventing souls from leaving the underworld, so snake heads grew on his back, and he had a snake tail.

Here, Cerebrus is characterized by a well-balanced composition to indicate a mysterious world, which is the artist's style of creation.