Artwork Page for The Four Witches (Four Naked Women)

Details / Information for The Four Witches (Four Naked Women)

The Four Witches (Four Naked Women)

1497

Albrecht Dürer

(German, 1471–1528)
Culture
Germany
Medium
engraving
Measurements
Sheet: 19 x 13.1 cm (7 1/2 x 5 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Howard E. Wise in memory of his parents, Samuel D. and May W. Wise by exchange 1990.85
Catalogue raisonné
Meder 69
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Licentious witches occupied a precarious place during the 16th and 17th centuries, due to their perceived seductive powers that threatened to overturn the patriarchal order of society. The four fleshy women of Albrecht Dürer's beguiling Four Witches exchange vague and shifting glances that suggest sinister intentions. The threatening atmosphere is emphasized by a devil lurking behind an open doorway at the left, and a globe hanging from the ceiling inscribed O.G.H. (O Gott hüte), a proverb that means "Oh God, save us"—in this instance, from these sensual witches.
A vertically oriented print in black ink depicts four nude women gathered in a rough circle in an interior. Two on the left have their backs to us, the left-most turning so we see her face in profile. Her hair is gathered in a hat. The right two face us, one standing in front of the other. The front one covers her genitals in a piece of cloth. An orb inscribed with "1497 OGH" hangs over their heads, and a skull sitting at their feet. From a doorway on the left emerges a lion-like face, mouth open.

The Four Witches (Four Naked Women)

1497

Albrecht Dürer

(German, 1471–1528)
Germany

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