Witches Preparing for Sabbath
Andries Stock Netherlandish
Designed by Jacques de Gheyn II Netherlandish
Published by Nicolaes de Clerck Dutch
Not on view
At the time this print was made, many people believed in witches. Close examination is needed to appreciate the complex symbolism and rich details of their world represented here. At center, three witches prepare ointments that they will smear over their bodies to enable them to fly. At right, a demon drags a witch riding a broomstick fueled by the vapors from a cauldron by the hair. At upper left, witches clutch bolts of fire, a reference to their power to wreak havoc by creating storms of hail and lightning to ruin crops. At bottom left, Cupid seems to be struggling with a winged demon—understood as a battle between the perverse loves of witches and the pure love of Cupid.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
