Saint Peter Martyr Exorcizing a Woman Possessed by a Devil 1445 - 1455

This panel, made around 1464 by Antonio Vivarini, depicts Saint Peter Martyr exorcising a demon from a possessed woman. Observe the devil perched above her, a symbol of the unseen forces at play. This motif of demonic presence dates back millennia, echoing in ancient Mesopotamian carvings and even in the gargoyles of Gothic cathedrals, each a manifestation of humanity's grappling with the darker aspects of the psyche. Consider the gesture of exorcism itself – the raised hand, the focused gaze. It transcends mere religious practice, becoming a primal expression of the will to overcome, a visual echo of humanity's eternal struggle against the shadows within and without. The emotional intensity of the scene engages us, stirring something deep in our collective memory. Thus, the image resonates beyond its immediate context, reminding us that these archetypal struggles continue to resurface, evolving and taking on new forms across time.