When Fritz Haarmann committed his grisly crimes in the early part of the 20th century, the phrase “serial killer” had not yet been coined. Thus, words like “butcher” and “vampire” seemed perfectly apt to describe him in the press.

After a trial lasting two weeks and consisting of 200 witnesses, Haarmann was found guilty of murdering and dismembering 24 boys and men between the ages of 13 and 22. The true scope of Haarmann’s spree remains unknown; he claimed at various times to have taken anywhere between 30 and 70 lives. The killings were among the inspirations for Fritz Lang's 1931 German Expressionist crime thriller M.

Sentenced to death by guillotine, his last words were, "I repent, but I do not fear death."

After being stored for 89 years in formaldehyde, Haarmann’s head was cremated in 2015.

Oil on canvas

8 1/4 inches x 6 1/4 inches framed

Friese Undine (1965, Los Angeles) is a Brooklyn-based artist interested in psychology, primatology, human evolution, history, politics, cannibalism, and cabinets of curiosity.

Please note: Shipping fee includes packaging and handling costs