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Scenes of Witchcraft: Evening, c. 1645-1649. Creator: Salvator Rosa (Italian, 1615-1673)
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Scenes of Witchcraft: Evening, c. 1645-1649. Creator: Salvator Rosa (Italian, 1615-1673)
Scenes of Witchcraft: Evening, c. 1645-1649. At dusk, Rosas hags gather around a cauldron. Above their incantations soars a conjured skeleton holding an hourglass symbolizing the brevity of life. In its left hand, the demonic creature holds a capital letter A from which extends a plumb line; as ancient signs of the moon and judgment, this strange combination of symbols embodies the nocturnal judgment the witches are doling out below. Though more rare in paint, the detailed portrayal of witches at their spells enjoyed a long literary tradition. The wax effigy alludes to classical literature by Virgil and Horace that described love magic. Poets in the 1500s and 1600s continued the tradition, writing verse about witches concocting potions and performing love spells. In Rosas own poem " La Strega (The Witch), " the jilted Phyllis vows to take revenge on her feeble lover, listing the ingredients for her black magic: " ground powders, mystic gems, snakes and owls, stinking blood...." Painting was considered " mute poetry" in the 1600s, and Rosa often explored the same themes in his written and painted art--a clever way to gain fame as a unique intellect
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Media ID 19641359
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1615 1673 Salvator Rosa Salvator Rosa Italian
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This print titled "Scenes of Witchcraft: Evening" by Salvator Rosa transports viewers back to the mystical world of witchcraft in the mid-17th century. As dusk settles, a group of hags gather around a cauldron, their faces illuminated by flickering flames. Above them, a conjured skeleton holds an hourglass, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and reminding us of our mortality. In its left hand, the skeletal figure clutches a capital letter A from which extends a plumb line. This peculiar combination of symbols represents ancient signs associated with judgment and the moon, encapsulating the witches' nocturnal activities below as they mete out their own form of judgement. While detailed portrayals of witches were more commonly found in literature during this time period, Rosa's painting brings these enchanting scenes to life on canvas. The inclusion of a wax effigy alludes to classical works by Virgil and Horace that described love magic. In his poem "La Strega (The Witch)". Rosa himself explores themes revenge through black magic. Rosa's artistry extended beyond painting; he also delved into poetry to express his unique intellect and gain fame for his work. By intertwining both mediums, he created an immersive experience for audiences seeking to explore the mysterious realm of witchcraft in 17th-century Italy.
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