The paintings that litter the frightening locations in Resident Evil games are beautiful to look at and are one of the franchise’s best traditions.
Among the many tropes and traditions that have defined Resident Evil for nearly thirty years, one of the most fascinating ones has been the commitment to featuring prominent and gorgeous pieces of artwork to litter the world. Sinister environments from Resident Evil, such as the Spencer Mansion and the Raccoon City Police Department, have become iconic locations in gaming, and many of them have also featured some absolutely spectacular paintings.
Some of them have been purely decorative, designed to enhance the aesthetic of the world or create a symbolic connection to the protagonist, while others have figured into some of the games’ most intriguing puzzles. These works of art have been a major part of the franchise since it debuted in 1996, adorning the creeping hallways and walls of the franchise’s numerous locales. Capcom always puts a ton of effort into both the large and small details, making sure that these haunting works of art stick with the player well after they’ve survived the hordes of zombies and horrific Umbrella creations. 5
The Girl Behind The Box (Resident Evil 2 Remake)
Located in the RCPD Art Room
As Claire and Leon explore the crumbling Raccoon City Police Department during the events of Resident Evil 2 Remake, they come to discover its origins as a museum, explaining the numerous pieces of incredible artwork that litter the disintegrating hallways of the building. And one particular piece stands out, as the duo find it in the Art Room, which is located on the second floor, hidden behind some boxes piled up against the wall. Situated neatly behind the boxes is a painting that features a young girl peering behind the shadows, and it can be easily missed during a playthrough, as the Art Room is a rather small excursion that isn’t revisited later.
The painting is dark and moody, as the girl ominously stares over the boxes, casting a surreal energy in the room. The girl herself could represent Sherry Birkin, the wayward daughter of scientists William and Annette, as she’s dressed in a similar outfit and is neglected behind the boxes. Either way, this haunting piece of art is one of the best paintings in Resident Evil 2 Remake, a stark reminder of the strange sort of place that the RCPD was back when it was a museum.
