Edgar Allen Poe’s short story “The Tell-Tale Heart” was first published in 1843. The murderous protagonist’s guilt compels him to confess his crime as he is driven mad by the sound of his victim’s heart beating beneath the floorboards.

This was a delightful piece to paint despite the grisly subject matter- the human heart has so many alluring colors and textures. I chose to leave the wood background visible beneath an antiquing stain.

Acrylic and stain on wood. Measures 12” round, ready to hang.