Standing witch with monster 1515

Hans Baldung created this drawing, 'Standing witch with monster', around 1515. It reflects a time when societal anxieties about women's power were being channeled into witch hunts across Europe. Here, Baldung gives us a nude, powerful woman, her flesh rendered with robust realism. Her gaze is cast downward as she seems to master the serpent-like creature. It’s a striking image, especially when we consider the period's deeply ingrained fears about female sexuality and autonomy. Note how the cherubic faces of infants seem to be part of the monster. The image raises complex questions about the era's demonization of the feminine. By depicting the witch figure, is Baldung reinforcing stereotypes, or exploring the potent, untamed aspects of female identity? The ambiguity lingers, inviting us to reflect on the historical roots of gendered power dynamics and their enduring impact.