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Approaching the world of the "mad" has been a topic of constant interest throughout history in general and of artistic representation. Addressing this issue is not an easy task since references and psychiatric studies would have to be included. However, it is not the interest of this article to carry out an exhaustive analysis, nor to infer in the field of medicine, but rather, a small account of how mental illnesses have touched art over time, mentioning some works and outstanding artists in the approach of this theme. The first representations referring to mental illnesses do so, surely, out of a need to understand what it was about or because of the astonishment that these beings caused among their peers. The eternal question, what is it that makes a man lose his reason? large amount of literature, opinions, and significant findings as far as the mode of representation is concerned. Madness has gone through different stages before being diagnosed as a disease. Yet it has fascinated and captured the attention of artists through time like no other organic condition. The years have shown us that art and madness have touched on multiple occasions. Various psychological studies have revealed that a large part of people with artistic sensitivity suffer from some psychological disorder or have faced situations that deeply marked their lives. The social consideration of "the madman" ranges from the fascination exerted by these beings in some ancient cultures, considering them mediators between this world and the hereafter, to the persecution and isolation they suffered in modern times. He happens to be considered an inspired, privileged being, capable of perceiving and saying what others do not capture a relegated subject who must be isolated from the rest of the world. Over time, numerous attempts have been made to represent mental illness. The history of art has been characterized by an incessant interest in the subject, from its psychological uptake to the terrible consequences of its suffering.