The Art of “Hannibal” – Part 2

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

If you plan to watch the show Hannibal, please know that there are…

***Spoilers Ahead***

The second half of the third season of Hannibal is dedicated to the Red Dragon storyline found in Harris’ book of the same name and in the films “Manhunter” (1986) and “Red Dragon” (2002).  Interestingly, art plays a major role in the development of the character Francis Dolarhyde.  Dolarhyde is a serial killer driven by an internal and overpowering, but unnamed, force of evil. 

Upon seeing Blake’s watercolor depiction of The Great Red Dragon from his series inspired by the biblical Book of Revelations, Dolarhyde feels an instant connection.  After physically consuming one of Blake’s works, Dolarhyde’s transformation is complete and he assumes the role of The Great Red Dragon.

The imagery used throughout these episodes is both terrifying and hypnotic.  In fact, the viewer sees and experiences Dolarhyde’s metamorphosis alongside him as special effects are used to blend man and beast.

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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.