The Art of “Hannibal” – Part 1

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

On June 1st one of the most fascinating and mesmerizing shows ever produced for television became available for streaming on Netflix.  Hannibal is a reimagined exploration of the Lecter mythology created by author Thomas Harris.  Showrunner, Bryan Fuller, creates a three-season experience that retells the story of Hannibal Lecter as an investigation into complex human relationships and the power of empathy… or the complete lack thereof.

Originally debuting in 2013, this show became my obsession.  I was perpetually amazed that an extremely dark drama about a serial killer (and his elaborate death tableaus) was airing on NBC and was in constant fear of its cancellation.  That said, the three years (39 episodes) of storytelling that exist tell a tale of love, friendship and horror that is hauntingly beautiful in its darkness.

***Spoiler Alert***

In the first half of season three, Hannibal Lecter is living in Florence, Italy under dubious circumstances.  During this period, Lecter’s death tableaus are influenced by his love of Botticelli, and more specifically, his epic metaphor for the Renaissance, “Primavera.”

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.