De geneesheer als duivel 1609

This engraving, "The Doctor as Devil," was created around 1600 by Johann Gelle. At its center, we see a winged, devilish figure, presumably a doctor, surrounded by scenes of illness and medical practice. The devil as doctor is an intriguing motif, blending the roles of healer and deceiver. Throughout history, winged figures have symbolized transcendence and divinity. Yet, the addition of demonic features twists this iconography. We can trace this figure back to ancient Mesopotamian demons, and forward to modern archetypes of corruption in healthcare. The devil is a figure of trickery, offering false promises for personal gain. This mirrors anxieties about medical professionals exploiting the vulnerable. The image engages viewers on a subconscious level through an appeal to primal fears about health, trust, and mortality. This symbol of the devil, which has shifted to represent temptation, sin, and chaos, resurfaces here in a new, disturbing form, reflecting an ongoing unease with those who hold power over life and death.