Neurological diseases in famous painters

Prog Brain Res. 2013:203:255-75. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-62730-8.00011-6.

Abstract

Visual art production involves multiple processes including basic motor skills, such as coordination of movements, visual-spatial processing, emotional output, sociocultural context, and creativity. Thus, the relationship between artistic output and brain diseases is particularly complex, and brain disorders may lead to impairment of artistic production in multiple domains. Neurological conditions may also occasionally modify artistic style and lead to surprisingly innovative features in people with an initial loss of creativity. This chapter focuses on anecdotal reports of various neurological disorders and their potential consequences on works produced by famous or well-established artists, including Carl Frederik Reutersward, Giorgio de Chirico, Krystyna Habura, Leo Schnug, Ignatius Brennan, and many others.

Keywords: artistic production; change of artistic style; dementia; epilepsy; head trauma; migraine; painters; stroke; visual artists.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Art / history*
  • Brain Diseases / history*
  • Famous Persons*
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century