The Motif of the Mysterious Portrait in English Gothic Literature of the Second Half of the 18th Century (Based on the Works of H. Walpole, C. Reeve, A. Radcliffe)

The article deals with the motif of the mysterious portrait in English Gothic literature of the second half of the 18th century. It analyzes the works of H. Walpole “The Castle of Otranto” (1764), C. Reeve “The Old English Baron” (1777), A. Radcliffe “The Mysteries of Udolpho” (1794). The article notes the aesthetic features of the motif of the mysterious portrait and its role in creating a Gothic atmosphere and revealing the internal conflicts of the characters. It identifies the key functions of the portrait as a means of expressing fear, mystery, duality and the fantastic. It analyzes the historicity of the portrait. It notes the significance of the portrait as a material detail and its connection with the literary space.