The Hands Resist Him, a chilling painting by artist Bill Stoneham, has sparked fear and fascination since its creation in 1972. This eerie artwork, showcasing a young boy and a doll before a glass door with ghostly hands pressed against it, is often called a cursed painting.
Its haunting reputation exploded in 2000 when an eBay listing claimed it caused supernatural events, like figures moving or leaving the canvas. Known for its unsettling imagery and mysterious backstory, The Hands Resist Him remains a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
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What Is The Hands Resist Him?
The Hands Resist Him is a 36×24-inch oil painting created by Bill Stoneham in 1972. It depicts a young boy, inspired by a childhood photo of Stoneham at age five, standing beside a female doll with hollow eyes. Behind them, a glass-paneled door reveals numerous ghostly hands pressing forward.
Stoneham described the hands as symbolizing alternate lives or possibilities, the door as a barrier between reality and fantasy, and the doll as a guide for the boy through this liminal space. The painting’s creepy aesthetic—marked by the doll’s lifeless stare and the spectral hands—has fueled its reputation as a cursed object.
Its legend grew in February 2000 when an eBay sale described paranormal activity, turning it into an internet sensation and a staple of haunted painting lore.
The Hands Resist Him Haunted History
The history of The Hands Resist Him is steeped in unsettling events, tragedies, and coincidences that hint at a possible curse.
Creation and Early Exhibition (1972-1974)
In 1972, Bill Stoneham painted The Hands Resist Him while under contract with Charles Feingarten Galleries in Beverly Hills, California. He produced two paintings monthly for $200 each, drawing inspiration from a childhood photograph taken in a Chicago apartment.
The photo showed Stoneham at age five with a neighborhood girl, standing before a glass door. In the painting, he transformed the girl into a doll holding a dry cell battery with wires, blurred his own face, and added ghostly hands behind the glass, creating a surreal, unsettling scene.
The artwork debuted at a one-man show at Feingarten Gallery in 1974, where it caught the eye of actor John Marley, famous for his role in The Godfather. Marley purchased it, marking its first ownership.
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Tragic Deaths and Disappearances (1978-1984)
The painting’s early years are marked by a series of tragic events. In 1978, Charles Feingarten, the gallery owner who exhibited the painting, died unexpectedly.
That same year, Henry Seldis, a Los Angeles Times art critic who reviewed Stoneham’s show, also passed away. Both deaths occurred within a few years of the painting’s debut, fueling speculation of a curse.
In 1984, John Marley, the painting’s first owner, died of heart complications following open-heart surgery at age 77. While these deaths may be coincidental, their timing—within a decade of the painting’s creation—has been cited as evidence of a supernatural influence.
Additionally, after Marley’s death, the painting vanished, its whereabouts unknown until it resurfaced in 2000. Rumors persist of other misfortunes tied to the Feingarten exhibition, such as financial ruin for some attendees, though no verifiable records confirm these claims.
Rediscovery Behind a Brewery (1990s-2000)
In the late 1990s, an elderly Californian couple discovered The Hands Resist Him abandoned behind a brewery in Southern California, which had been converted into an art space.
The circumstances of how it ended up there remain unclear, adding to its mystique.
Some speculate it was discarded due to its unsettling effect on viewers or owners. The couple took it home, unaware of its history, but soon reported disturbances, particularly from their young daughter, who claimed the figures moved at night.
This led to the painting’s infamous eBay listing in February 2000, which reignited its legend and introduced it to a global audience.
eBay Sale and Viral Fame (2000)
On February 2, 2000, the couple listed The Hands Resist Him on eBay under the username “mrnoreserve,” starting at $199. Their listing described paranormal occurrences, claiming their 4.5-year-old daughter saw the boy and doll fighting or exiting the canvas at night.
To support their claims, they set up a motion-triggered camera, which allegedly captured images of the boy crawling from the painting, with the doll appearing to wield a gun instead of a battery. The listing warned of potential supernatural powers and advised against bidding for those prone to stress or heart issues.
By February 11, 2000, the auction drew over 30,000 views and sold for $1,025 to Kim Smith, owner of Perception Fine Art Gallery in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The viral nature of the sale, amplified by the internet’s early fascination with creepy stories, solidified the painting’s status as a cursed artifact.
Ongoing Disturbances and Limited Display (2000-Present)
Since its acquisition by Kim Smith, the painting has been displayed publicly only six times, as it reportedly unsettles viewers. Smith keeps it in his gallery’s back room at his sons’ request, who fear its presence in their home.
Reports of unease, illness, and strange phenomena continue to surround the painting, though no verified incidents of tragedy or death have been directly linked since 2000.
The lack of clear documentation for earlier misfortunes, combined with the painting’s eerie aesthetic, keeps its cursed reputation alive.
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The Hands Resist Him Curse Manifestations
The alleged curse of The Hands Resist Him has produced numerous witness accounts, ranging from physical discomfort to perceived supernatural activity.
All Alleged Sightings and Witness Accounts (1972-2025):
| Date | Account | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | eBay Sellers’ Daughter | Southern California | Daughter saw figures fighting, exiting canvas; camera showed boy crawling. |
| 2000 | eBay Viewers | Online, worldwide | Dizziness, nausea, throat tightening, monitor crashes, voices, printer issues. |
| 2000-2025 | Kim Smith’s Gallery Visitors | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Illness, headaches, fainting, blackouts, sense of being watched. |
| Pre-2016 | Darren Kyle O’Neil | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Painting print remained mold-free while other items molded. |
| Summer 2002 | Anonymous Female Visitor | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Fainted, felt dread, boy’s eyes followed her, nightmares of hands on glass. |
| Oct 2018 | ShadowedWatcher (Forum User) | Unspecified | Flickering lights, dreams of boy at bedside; disturbances stopped after removing print. |
| Ongoing | General Viewers (Online/In-Person) | Various | Unease, nightmares, perceived movement, electronic disturbances, anxiety. |
The eBay Sellers and Their Daughter (February 2000)
People involved: An anonymous elderly couple from Southern California and their 4.5-year-old daughter.
Date: January-February 2000.
Details: The couple found the painting behind a brewery and brought it home, placing it in their daughter’s bedroom.
Their daughter soon reported nightmares, claiming the boy and doll in The Hands Resist Him were fighting or stepping out of the canvas at night. She described the boy crawling across the floor, pursued by the doll, who seemed to threaten him.
To investigate, the couple set up a motion-triggered camera, which captured blurry images appearing to show the boy exiting the painting. In these photos, the doll’s battery was interpreted as a gun, heightening the eerie effect.
The couple listed the painting on eBay on February 2, 2000, including these photos and a disclaimer about its potential supernatural powers.
Their account, while lacking independent verification, sparked global interest and remains the cornerstone of the painting’s haunted reputation.
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eBay Viewers’ Reactions (February 2000)
People involved: Various anonymous eBay users worldwide.
Date: February 2-11, 2000.
Details: During the eBay auction, thousands of viewers reported unsettling experiences while viewing the listing’s images. Some described physical symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, or a tightening sensation in their throats.
Others reported technological issues, including computer screens turning white, emitting heat, or crashing. One user claimed their new Epson printer jammed and tore pages when printing the painting’s image. A few reported auditory disturbances, like whispers or voices reminiscent of horror films.
On social media platforms like Reddit, users later shared similar experiences; for example, a user named Jupiknight refused to view the image for more than five seconds due to unease, while another, snoos_my_dog, removed a print from their home after guests felt uncomfortable.
Kim Smith’s Gallery Reports (2000-Present)
People involved: Kim Smith, owner of Perception Fine Art Gallery, and gallery visitors.
Date: 2000 to 2025.
Details: After purchasing the painting for $1,025, Kim Smith displayed it sparingly due to its reputation. He has not experienced supernatural events himself but received numerous reports from visitors.
Some described feeling repulsed or physically ill, with symptoms like headaches, nausea, or fainting. Others reported psychological effects, such as anxiety, blackouts, or a sense of being watched.
Smith also received emails and letters, including prayers, scripture quotes, and advice from a Native American shaman suggesting rituals to cleanse the painting’s “evil” influence.
His sons, wary of its reputation, insisted it remain in the gallery’s storage room.
Darren Kyle O’Neil’s Mold Incident (Pre-2016)
People involved: Darren Kyle O’Neil, author of The Hands Resist Him: Be Careful What You Bid For.
Date: Before 2016, exact date unknown.
Details: O’Neil, who wrote a fictionalized book about the painting, reported a bizarre incident. While living in Dubai, he printed an image of The Hands Resist Him and left it on a table with other documents.
After a month-long trip to Italy, he returned to find his air conditioner had malfunctioned, causing green mold to grow on all items on the table—except the painting’s printout, which remained pristine.
O’Neil interpreted this as evidence of the painting’s supernatural influence, though skeptics suggest it could be due to the paper’s material or environmental factors.
Art Gallery Visitor (2002)
People involved: Anonymous female visitor to Perception Fine Art Gallery.
Date: Summer 2002.
Details: During one of the painting’s rare public displays, a female visitor reported a vivid experience. While viewing The Hands Resist Him, she felt an overwhelming sense of dread and claimed the boy’s eyes followed her.
She experienced a sudden headache and fainted, requiring assistance from gallery staff. After recovering, she refused to re-enter the room and later sent Smith a letter describing recurring nightmares of hands pressing against glass.
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Online Forum User (2018)
People involved: Anonymous user “ShadowedWatcher” on a paranormal forum.
Date: October 2018.
Details: In a 2018 paranormal forum post, user ShadowedWatcher claimed to have purchased a high-resolution print of The Hands Resist Him for a Halloween-themed art collection.
They reported flickering lights in their home and a recurring dream of a boy standing at their bedside, staring silently. After two weeks, they removed the print, and the disturbances ceased.
Theories
The alleged curse of The Hands Resist Him has prompted various theories to explain its unsettling effects.
Portal to Another Dimension
Explanation: The glass door and pressing hands may symbolize a gateway to another realm, with the boy and doll caught in a liminal space. The hands could be spirits or entities attempting to cross into our world, causing disturbances when viewed.
Why It Fits: Reports of movement and figures exiting the canvas align with the idea of a portal. The painting’s surreal imagery, designed to evoke alternate realities, supports this theory. Some paranormal enthusiasts believe artworks can act as conduits for spiritual energy.
Why It Doesn’t Fit: No physical evidence supports the existence of portals. The reported movements could be due to imagination or lighting effects, and no consistent supernatural activity has been documented since 2000.
Cursed by Creation
Explanation: Stoneham’s creative process, possibly tapping into subconscious or negative energies, may have imbued the painting with a curse. He described it as reflecting the “collective unconscious,” suggesting an unintended spiritual influence.
Why It Fits: The painting’s dark imagery and Stoneham’s personal inspiration—a childhood photo tied to a transient period—could have channeled emotional or spiritual turmoil. Some believe artists can unintentionally curse their work through intense emotions.
Why It Doesn’t Fit: Stoneham denies any supernatural intent, and the concept of a cursed creation lacks scientific backing. The painting’s effects may stem from its reputation rather than an inherent curse.
Trapped Spirits
Explanation: The boy and doll could represent spirits trapped within the canvas, seeking escape and causing disturbances. The hands might be other entities or manifestations of their struggle.
Why It Fits: Reports of figures moving or exiting the painting align with this theory. The doll’s eerie presence and the hands’ pressing motion suggest a struggle to break free, a common theme in haunted object stories.
Why It Doesn’t Fit: No verifiable evidence of trapped spirits exists. The lack of consistent reports and the painting’s storage without incident since 2000 weaken this theory.
Psychic Resonance
Explanation: The painting may carry a psychic imprint from Stoneham’s emotions or the tragic deaths linked to its early history, causing viewers to experience residual energy.
Why It Fits: The deaths of Feingarten, Seldis, and Marley, combined with viewer reports of unease, suggest a lingering emotional or spiritual residue. Psychic resonance is a popular paranormal concept for haunted objects.
Why It Doesn’t Fit: Psychic imprints are unproven, and the deaths may be coincidental. Viewer reactions could result from expectation rather than supernatural energy.
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Power of Suggestion (Nocebo Effect)
Explanation: The painting’s cursed reputation, amplified by the eBay listing, causes viewers to expect negative experiences, leading to physical or psychological symptoms (nocebo effect).
Why It Fits: Many reports occurred after the eBay listing, suggesting the viral story primed viewers to feel unease. Psychological studies show expectation can trigger symptoms like nausea or anxiety.
Why It Doesn’t Fit: Some early reports, like the sellers’ daughter’s nightmares, predate the public story, suggesting genuine experiences. However, these could still stem from the painting’s creepy imagery.
Pareidolia
Explanation: Pareidolia, the tendency to see patterns like faces or movement in static images, could explain perceived changes in the painting, especially in dim light or blurry photos.
Why It Fits: The eBay photos showing the boy moving are blurry and open to interpretation. The painting’s ambiguous figures encourage viewers to project movement or intent.
Why It Doesn’t Fit: Pareidolia doesn’t explain physical symptoms like fainting or technological issues, though these could have other causes, like stress or coincidence.
Hoax or Exaggeration
Explanation: The eBay sellers may have fabricated or exaggerated the curse to boost the painting’s value or create a viral sensation. The camera photos could be staged or misinterpreted.
Why It Fits: The sellers’ dismissal of the photos as a “fluke lighting effect” supports this theory. No evidence confirms a deliberate hoax, but the viral attention increased the painting’s value.
Why It Doesn’t Fit: Genuine reports from unrelated individuals, like gallery visitors, suggest some experiences may be real, though possibly influenced by suggestion.
Coincidental Tragedies
Explanation: The deaths and misfortunes linked to the painting are unrelated coincidences, amplified by storytelling and the painting’s eerie imagery.
Why It Fits: The deaths of Feingarten, Seldis, and Marley occurred years apart and have no clear link to the painting. No recent tragedies have been reported, suggesting the curse is a legend.
Why It Doesn’t Fit: The timing of early deaths and the painting’s rediscovery under strange circumstances fuel paranormal speculation, though no causal evidence exists.
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The Hands Resist Him vs Other Cursed Objects
To contextualize The Hands Resist Him, this section compares it to other cursed objects known for their supernatural reputations:
| Object | Type | Origin | Curse Nature | Notable Owners | Current Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hope Diamond | Gemstone | India, 1600s | Misfortune, death | Louis XIV, Evalyn Walsh McLean | Smithsonian Institution |
| Dybbuk Box | Wine cabinet | Unknown, 1900s | Possessed by dybbuk, paranormal activity | Kevin Mannis | Private collection |
| Crying Boy Painting | Painting | Italy, 1950s | Survives fires, causes fires | Various households | Various |
| Anguished Man | Painting | Unknown | Haunted, artist’s suicide | Sean Robinson | Private collection |
| Robert the Doll | Doll | Germany, 1900s | Misfortune, hauntings | Gene Otto | East Martello Museum, Key West |
| Annabelle Doll | Doll | USA, 1970s | Possessed, paranormal activity | Ed and Lorraine Warren | Warren’s Occult Museum |
| Busby’s Stoop Chair | Chair | England, 1700s | Death to sitters | Thomas Busby | Thirsk Museum, England |
| Koh-i-Noor Diamond | Gemstone | India, 1300s | Misfortune to male owners | British Crown | Crown Jewels, London |
| Basano Vase | Vase | Italy, 1400s | Death to owners | Various owners | Unknown |
| The Conjure Chest | Chest | USA, 1800s | Misfortune, deaths | Jacob Cooley | Kentucky History Museum |
Who Owns The Hands Resist Him Today?
The Hands Resist Him is owned by Kim Smith, who runs Perception Fine Art Gallery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Purchased in 2000 for $1,025, the painting is stored in the gallery’s back room due to Smith’s sons’ discomfort with its presence in their home.
Smith has received offers in the low six figures but has no plans to sell, citing its unique cultural significance. The painting has been displayed publicly only six times since 2000, with no recent reports of supernatural activity.
Is The Hands Resist Him Curse Real?
The mystery of The Hands Resist Him continues to captivate paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics. The painting’s eerie reputation, built on reports of moving figures, physical ailments, and technological disturbances, stems largely from its 2000 eBay sale.
The deaths of Charles Feingarten, Henry Seldis, and John Marley in the 1970s and 1980s, combined with its strange rediscovery, fuel its cursed legend. However, no definitive evidence links these events to the painting, and artist Bill Stoneham denies any supernatural intent, describing it as a personal exploration of childhood memories.
As of 2025, no new paranormal incidents have been reported, and the painting remains in storage. The lack of recent activity suggests the curse may be an urban legend, driven by the painting’s creepy imagery and the internet’s amplification of its story.
Whether a haunted painting or a product of psychological suggestion, The Hands Resist Him remains a chilling piece of art history, its legacy intertwined with tales of the supernatural.
