“The Fomors (or The Power of Evil Abroad in the World)” by John Duncan is a notable piece within the Symbolism art movement. This mythological painting depicts a grim and elaborate scene featuring a procession of diverse and grotesque mythological beings, symbolizing the pervasive influence of malevolent forces in the world.
In the artwork, a series of figures, each uniquely distorted and monstrous, march together, led by a spectral rider mounted on a skeletal horse. The characters, varying widely in form and menace, exhibit exaggerated and grotesque features, which underscore the eerie and malevolent theme of the composition. The background is shrouded in a dark, foreboding atmosphere, enhancing the sense of dread. The procession appears relentless and unstoppable, powerfully conveying the pervasive presence of evil. This intricate and unsettling portrayal serves to evoke a powerful emotive response, encapsulating the Symbolist preoccupation with the darker aspects of the human psyche and the world.
