The 10 Most Grotesquely Beautiful Images on "Hannibal" So Far

Putting the art back in murder.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Since its debut early last year, NBC’s Hannibal has been the premiere source for horror, suspense, and drama on network television. By bringing audiences pervasive gore and twisted plots every week, the show has pushed the limits of what is acceptable on TV, sometimes surpassing even the most shocking R-rated movies around. More impressively, though, Hannibal doesn’t just bring audiences gore for the sake of gore—it presents death and violence in surreal ways and provides striking visuals that are hard to forget.

The violence may be disgusting at times, but there's also an artistry behind it that's impossible to deny. Like sculptors or painters who work exclusively in the medium of death, Hannibal's killers and psychopaths are just as concerned with making a creative statement as they are with fulfilling their primal bloodlust.

With a new episode airing tonight at 10 p.m. EST, expect another example of this avant-garde gore (two words: human mural). To prepare yourself for the gorgeous carnage, check out the 10 most grotesquely beautiful images on Hannibal so far.

[GIFs via FuckYeahHannibal, NBC Hannibal]

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10. The Shrike Copycat

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9. The Mushroom Farm

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8. The Chesapeake Killer

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7. The Silo Pile

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6. The Human Cello

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5. The Colombian Necktie

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Episode: “Roti”
Air date: June 6, 2013

A Colombian necktie is a real world method of murder where a horizontal slash is made on the front of the victim’s throat, allowing his or her tongue to be pulled out through the gaping wound. Obviously this fits Hannibal’s M.O. perfectly, so it makes perfect sense that we'd see one on the show.

While there normally isn’t too much beauty in a Colombian necktie, the GIF below captures the eerie sight of a moving tongue sticking out of the victim’s throat. It's sickening, but also hypnotic

4. The Human Angels

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3. The Antler Display

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2. Hannibal’s Food

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Episode: Various
Air date: Various

In nearly every episode of Hannibal, we’re treated to shots of Dr. Lecter cooking exquisite world cuisine for a number of different dinner guests. All of the chopping, frying, and dicing is intercut with impeccable timing by the show’s directors and editors in a way that could make anyone’s mouth water. It’s an artistic smorgasbord that highlights the gorgeous visuals of the culinary world.

Unfortunately, the meat Hannibal serves with expensive white wine and polite conversation is usually human flesh. His guests, of course, have no clue. Lungs, ribs, and other meats are treated with the utmost care by the cannibalistic Lecter. We dare you not to want a free sample.

1. The Body Totem

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