Witches Preparing for Sabbath
To appreciate the complex symbolism and rich details of the world of witches represented in this print close examination is needed. In the centre three witches prepare ointments that they will smear over their bodies enabling them to fly. The book before them presumably contains the recipe they need for their concoction. At the right another witch riding a broomstick fuelled by the vapors from a cauldron is being dragged by the hair by a demon. In the 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. Below to the left, Cupid seems to be struggling with a winged demon. This has been understood as a battle between the perverse loves of witches and the pure love of Cupid. Many other details throughout the composition add to our enjoyment of it.
During the time this print was made many people believed in the reality of witches and their activities. We do not know for certain the attitude of Jacques de Gheyn who designed the print but there is some evidence to think he was a skeptic and regarded subjects of witchcraft with bemusement.
During the time this print was made many people believed in the reality of witches and their activities. We do not know for certain the attitude of Jacques de Gheyn who designed the print but there is some evidence to think he was a skeptic and regarded subjects of witchcraft with bemusement.
Artwork Details
- Title: Witches Preparing for Sabbath
- Artist: Andries Stock (Netherlandish, 1572/82–after 1648)
- Artist: Designed by Jacques de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, Antwerp 1565–1629 The Hague)
- Publisher: Published by Nicolaes de Clerck (Dutch, active 1599–1626)
- Date: ca. 1610
- Medium: Engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet: 17 1/4 × 25 3/4 in. (43.8 × 65.4 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Charles Hack and Angella Hearn, 2001
- Object Number: 2001.648
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Andries Stock
Anthony van Dyck
Multiple artists/makers
1616
Andries Stock
Hendrick Hondius I
1610
Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn)
1658
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1645–47 (published 1648)
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.