Vincent van Gogh's 'Starry Night'. While it may seem beautiful at first glance, Van Gogh was in a very difficult mental state when he painted it. He was suffering from mental illness and isolation, and this painting can be seen as a sort of expression of his sad and complex inner world.
The painting 'Guernica' by Pablo Picasso. It was created in response to the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. The chaotic and tragic scene in the painting reflects the horror and sadness of war, with the suffering of the people and animals vividly depicted.
Well, the composition of paintings with sad stories can also be a bit unbalanced. It gives the feeling that something is not quite right. This lack of balance is like a visual representation of the disorder in the sad story behind the painting. Also, the brushstrokes might be more agitated or rough, as if the artist was pouring out their distress through the way they painted.
Amy Winehouse. She struggled with drug and alcohol addiction which ultimately led to her tragic death at a young age. Her battles were well - known and her music often reflected her pain.
Paul Gascoigne. He was a very gifted midfielder. However, he struggled with mental health issues, alcoholism, and had a very turbulent personal life. His problems often made headlines, overshadowing his footballing achievements and causing him to lose control of his life at times.
One example is Saint Joan of Arc. She was a young peasant girl who led the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years' War. However, she was later captured, tried for heresy (unjustly), and burned at the stake at a very young age. It's a sad story of a great hero being persecuted.
One famous series is 'The Sistine Chapel Ceiling' by Michelangelo. It tells stories from the Bible, like the Creation of Adam. Another is 'A Rake's Progress' by William Hogarth, which shows the downfall of a young man through a series of paintings. And 'The Bayeux Tapestry' (although it's more of a long embroidered piece but can be considered in a similar sense), which depicts the Norman Conquest of England.
One is Heath Ledger. His life was tragic. He had a hard time dealing with the pressures of fame. The role of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' took a huge toll on his mental state. Eventually, he passed away due to an accidental drug overdose, leaving behind a great body of work and many fans in mourning.
One example is Saint Joan of Arc. She was a young French girl who heard voices she believed were from God. She led the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years' War. However, she was later captured by the English, put on trial for heresy and witchcraft, and finally burned at the stake at a very young age, which is a truly sad story.
One example is Jonghyun from SHINee. He struggled with depression and unfortunately passed away. His story is really sad as he was such a talented idol but was suffering in silence.
Britney Spears. Her conservatorship situation was really sad. She was under strict control for many years, her personal and financial decisions were managed by others against her will, despite being a very talented and popular star in the music industry.
One example is 'The Arnolfini Portrait' by Jan van Eyck. It seems to tell the story of a wealthy couple, perhaps a marriage or a business deal. The details in the painting, like the dog which symbolizes loyalty, and the objects around them, all contribute to the story. Another is 'Guernica' by Pablo Picasso. It powerfully tells the story of the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, with its distorted figures and chaotic composition representing the horror and destruction.