A Witch 1646

Salvator Rosa's 1646 painting, "A Witch", depicts a solitary figure, possibly a sorceress, in a dark, atmospheric setting. The woman, clad in a simple robe and crowned with leaves, sits on a rock, her gaze fixed on a book. The scene is lit by flickering candlelight, creating an eerie, almost supernatural ambiance. The starkness of the composition and the dark palette reflect the anxieties surrounding witchcraft in 17th century Europe, a time when the practice was widely feared and persecuted. This work exemplifies Rosa's characteristic style, characterized by its dramatic lighting, emotive figures, and brooding landscapes.