Boze geesten en engelen 1808

Teodoro Matteini sketched this drawing of angels and demons. Look at how the demons fly from the earth below, up into the sky, where they are met by angels. Note the torch in the demon’s hand. Since ancient times, fire has been used as a symbol of knowledge. But consider how its appearance differs in other contexts. Prometheus stole fire from the gods to enlighten humanity, while here, fire is brandished by demons who seem to flee from the same light. One has to wonder if light and knowledge are now perceived as destructive forces. The angels above do not fight the demons; rather, they seem to observe the earth as impartial witnesses. It engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of powerlessness in the face of cosmic forces. This reflects a recurring motif in art history—the cyclical progression of symbols like fire, which resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.