What you are looking at
A woman in white lies asleep across a bed, her head hanging over the edge, while a demon squats on her chest and a wild-eyed horse pushes its head through the curtains.
Why it is famous
It was a sensation at the Royal Academy in London in 1782 and was copied and parodied in prints for years. It has influenced horror imagery ever since.
How big is The Nightmare?
The Nightmare measures 101 × 127 cm (39.8 × 50.0 in), without its frame. Its surface is about 3 times the area of the Mona Lisa.
Compare it with other paintings
Where to see it
It is at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Museums move and lend paintings. Check the museum's website before you travel to see one work.
Frequently asked questions
Who painted The Nightmare?
Henry Fuseli painted The Nightmare in 1781.
Where is The Nightmare?
The Nightmare is in the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, United States.
How big is The Nightmare?
101 × 127 cm (39.8 × 50.0 in). Its surface is about 3 times the area of the Mona Lisa.
What is The Nightmare made with?
Oil on canvas.
Sources: Wikidata Q2317837; Wikipedia, "The Nightmare". Checked October 17, 2026. How we check.