Artwork Page for Scenes of Witchcraft: Evening

Details / Information for Scenes of Witchcraft: Evening

Scenes of Witchcraft: Evening

c. 1645–49
(Italian, 1615–1673)
Measurements
Framed: 76.2 x 9.6 cm (30 x 3 3/4 in.); Unframed: 54.5 cm (21 7/16 in.)
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
?

Did You Know?

The artist chose the painting's shape to reference the foundational role of the circle in practicing magic.

Description

At dusk, Rosa's 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 Rosa's 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.
An oil painting in a circular format depicts three figures with light skin tones gathered around a fire in a dark landscape. One figure kneels, stirring a cauldron with a glowing rod that illuminates the scene against deep shadows. Above, two skeletal figures with elongated noses float; the tallest holds an hourglass. In the background, a crescent moon hangs near a tall tree silhouette, the rest of the scene receding into darkness.

Scenes of Witchcraft: Evening

c. 1645–49

Salvator Rosa

(Italian, 1615–1673)
Italy, 17th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork