The Golgotha Dancers

by Manly Wade Wellman

"The Golgotha Dancers" by Manly Wade Wellman is a horror short story published in the late 1930s. The narrative revolves around the themes of art, sacrifice, and the supernatural, detailing a bizarre encounter with a sinister painting that comes to life. The protagonist's experience delves into the implications of a pact with darkness, exploring both the allure and the terror of artistic obsession. In the story, the main character discovers a disturbing painting in an art museum, which depicts demonic dancers surrounding a crucified figure. Intrigued yet unsettled, he acquires the painting for his apartment, only to find that the dancers become real and menacing during the night. As he battles against these grotesque figures, a nurse named Miss Dolby comes to his aid. Together, they realize that the artist's intent of creating a "living picture" has manifested in a horrifying way. In a dramatic confrontation, they manage to defeat the undead dancers by destroying the painting, leading to the dissolution of the supernatural threat. This profound experience ultimately deepens their bond, hinting at newfound love against a backdrop of fear and darkness.