Curse and legend

Around 1985, a series of mysterious house fires were reported, in which everything was said to have burned. Except for the painting: The crying boy. This remained undamaged. In the years that followed, around 40 to 50 cases were recorded in which a house fire destroyed everything except the picture in question. The phenomenon became known as the “Curse of the Crying Boy” and made headlines around the world. The painting itself was a portrait painted by the Italian artist Giovanni Bragolin. It was said that his studio burned down and the boy was later killed in a car accident. This painting was one of the first to be mass-produced, but the curse seems to extend to all copies circulating worldwide. It is said that the curse only takes effect when the owner of the painting becomes aware of it. It is also said that the painting is possessed by the spirit of the boy depicted. An eyewitness reports that he had such a copy hanging in his house for 15 years. Even though it never burned, he never liked it and it always sent a cold shiver down his spine when he looked at it. But that was a long time ago. Nevertheless, he wondered who might own the picture now. But one thing is certain: he would never hang the picture in his house again.

This story is based on true events from the 1970s. Back then, Donna Bernard received a doll for her birthday. She later reported unusual events involving the doll. Movements of the doll, disturbing written messages and the appearance of blood were reported. Demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren examined the doll and decided that the doll was possessed by a demon and performed exorcisms on it several times. The doll is still kept in a locked display case to this day. To this day it is believed that the doll is still possessed by the demon.