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The Witch (Night Piece)
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A seductive witch standing inside a magic circle prepares a nasty brew for her Sabbath, surrounded by her familiars (supernatural entities) in the form of beasts and demons, as well as symbols of human weaknesses like lust (a goat) and gambling. This engraving reflects the market for prints with dramatic, flickering illuminations similar to tenebrist (extreme dark/light contrasts) paintings from the early 1600s. Their theatrical lighting effects result from layering long, fine lines in dense parallel and crossed patterns. The dark manner of engraving suits the sinister scene portrayed here.
| Artist / Maker | Jan van de Velde II |
|---|---|
| Date | 1626 |
| Culture / Origin | Netherlands |
| Medium | engraving |
| Dimensions | Platemark: 21.6 x 29 cm (8 1/2 x 11 7/16 in.); Sheet: 24 x 31.5 cm (9 7/16 x 12 3/8 in.) |
| Department | Prints |
| Type |
About the Artist
Dutch printmaker, ca. 1593-1641 Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
Buying at Matchless Pieces
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