Old Stories, New Horrors: Examining Changes in Lovecraft's Pickman's Model and The Dreams in the Witch-House for Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities

Oct 6, 2026

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The paper performs a comparative analysis of H. P. Lovecraft’s stories “Pickman’s Model” and “The Dreams in the Witch-House” and their modern adaptations in Guillermo del Toro’s “Cabinet of Curiosities.” It highlights how Lovecraftian cosmic horror themes—ancient, otherworldly dread and the terror of the unknown—are preserved while contemporary elements reshape tone and emotional impact. Adaptations are treated as both faithful reinterpretations and catalysts for the evolution of modern horror narratives, supporting further inquiry into horror studies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time17 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Lovecraft’s Significance and the Cthulhu Mythos

“Pickman’s Model” Overview

“The Dreams in the Witch-House” Overview

Lovecraft’s Influence on Contemporary Horror

Netflix Adaptation: “Cabinet of Curiosities”

Old Stories, New Horrors: Examining Changes in Lovecraft's'Pickman's Model' and 'The Dreams in the Witch-House' for Guillermo del Toro's 'Cabinet of Curiosities Andjela Bisevac Ph .D. Student at Kanagawa University, Yokohama, Japan | Abstract: This paper delves into a comparative analysis of H.P. Lovecraft's iconic stories, "Pickman's Model"and "The Dreams in the Witch-House", and their modern adaptations in Guillermo del Toro's "Cabinet of Curiosities" . Exploring the inherent themes of Lovecraftian cosmic horror, the study underscores the adaptations' faithfulness to original narratives while introducing contemporary elements that resonate with modern audiences. Through the lens of these adaptations, the paper sheds light on the evolution of cosmic horror, emphasizing the blend of ancient, otherworldly dread with modern psychological and emotional narratives. The adaptations not only provide a fresh perspective on Lovecraft's stories but also open avenues for future research in the realm of horror studies.
Keywords: H.P. Lovecraft, Guillermo del Toro, Cosmic Horror, Literary Adaptation, "Pickman's Model","The Dreams in the Witch-House", "Cabinet of Curiosities", Modern Horror, Comparative Analysis. | | --- | | Introduction
H.P. Lovecraft, an American author of the 20th century, achieved widespread recognition only after his death, despite his profound influence on the horror fiction genre. He remained virtually obscure throughout his lifetime, his work confined to pulp magazines and his life marred by poverty. Nonetheless, he is currently recognized as a crucial figure in the world of horror fiction, owing to his unique style of storytelling. Lovecraft's most significant contribution is the "Cthulhu Mythos," which emphasizes the cosmic horror of the unknown, a theme that has inspired countless other works of literature and given rise to a whole subgenre of horror.1
Among Lovecraft's catalog of chilling tales, "Pickman's Model" stands out. Written in September 1926, it revolves around the story of Richard Upton Pickman2, a Boston-based artist notorious for his disquieting creations. The tale is delivered from the perspective of Thurber, an artist, who narrates his encounters with Pickman to a friend. The narrative effectively juxtaposes the realms of art and disgust.
Another notable work from Lovecraft is "The Dreams in the Witch House," a short story that debuted in 1933. This tale chronicles the journey of a university student, Walter Gilman, who rents an attic room in a supposedly cursed boarding house in Arkham, Massachusetts, famously known as the "Witch House"3. This
1S. T. Joshi. Howard Phillips Lovecraft: The Life of a Gentleman of Providence.
2"PICKMAN, RICHARD UPTON was a naturally gifted artist, and his study at Minneiska University in Wisconsin, a center for decadent artists, only enhanced his own morbid instincts further. Pickman's ghastly realism set him apart from many of his fellow decadents. Although the public received his works coolly, certain collectors prized them highly. Pickman spent much of his life in poverty, occasionally giving lessons to aspiring painters to supplement his income. He is said to have kept a hidden studio in Boston's North End, though notrace of it has been found. For a brief time he attempted to create more mainstream works to gain the backing of the Boston Art Club. He eventually was forced to leave under pressure from most of the Club's members. In the year 1926, Pickman disappeared from his home in Boston, along with most of his unsold works. Some assert that he committed suicide, but others believe that he dwells somewhere in the Dreamlands. From what we know of that magical land, both of these theories may be true. A few artists imitated Pickman's work for a few years thereafter, but on the whole, Pickman represents merely a footnote in the history of American painting. The art community quickly forgot him, and many of his works are kept in private coll

FAQs

What is the main focus of the paper?

The paper compares Lovecraft’s “Pickman’s Model” and “The Dreams in the Witch-House” with their adaptations in Guillermo del Toro’s “Cabinet of Curiosities,” examining how cosmic horror evolves through modernization.

How does the paper characterize Lovecraftian cosmic horror?

It emphasizes themes of ancient, otherworldly dread and the terror produced by the unknown, showing how these ideas structure both the original stories and their screen reinterpretations.

Which adaptation series and specific episodes are discussed?

The paper discusses Netflix’s anthology “Cabinet of Curiosities,” focusing on episodes that directly adapt “Pickman’s Model” and “The Dreams in the Witch-House.”

Oct 6, 2026

Upload by Rowan