Man verjaagt een spook met een degen 1885 - 1920

This anonymous photograph depicts a man brandishing a sword, seemingly banishing a ghost from a well-appointed room. The sword, a symbol of power and authority, transcends its martial function here, becoming an instrument of purification and protection. We see echoes of this motif throughout history, from Saint Michael wielding his sword against the dragon, to countless depictions of heroes and warriors defending against unseen evils. Consider, too, the ritualistic use of swords in exorcisms and purification ceremonies across various cultures. The gesture of pointing the sword—a forceful extension of will—becomes a powerful defense against the irrational, embodying a primal struggle against the unknown. This image speaks to our collective subconscious, tapping into the fear of the unseen and the desire to ward off malevolent forces. The cyclical reappearance of the sword motif underscores its enduring power, evolving from a practical weapon to a potent symbol of psychological defense.