Artwork Collection

The Soul Stealing Scare

The Qianlong emperor's paranoia and abuse of power caused mass hysteria in China during the 1760s. Sorcerers were thought to be stealing souls by cutting men's braids-which had significant political importance. Fearing rebellion, the emperor would sentence anyone who refused the braid (a symbol of loyalty) to death.

Illustration

The Soul Stealing Scare

The Qianlong emperor's paranoia and abuse of power caused mass hysteria in China during the 1760s. Sorcerers were thought to be stealing souls by cutting men's braids-which had significant political importance. Fearing rebellion, the emperor would... More

Work by

Daniella Sasseville

Illustrator

“Historical cases of mass hysteria are represented through surreal digital paintings, entertaining the strange deluded perspectives and influences behind them. “Phantasmagoria” brings awareness to a...” [More]