Roundel with the Hanging of Haman 1530 - 1540

This stained-glass roundel, made by Jan Swart van Groningen, presents the hanging of Haman. The scene is dominated by the stark image of the gallows, a symbol of justice turned to vengeance. The image of hanging as punishment is ancient, seen in Roman crucifixions and medieval public executions. It is a brutal spectacle meant to deter, yet it also becomes a focal point for collective anxieties and fears, a theater of cruelty. The upturned well and the presence of a dog add layers of meaning. The well, often a source of life, here lies unused, suggesting a world disrupted by Haman's evil. The dog, a symbol of loyalty, looks up at the hanging man, perhaps questioning the justice of the scene. Such depictions tap into a primal fear of disorder and chaos. The emotional power of this image lies in its stark portrayal of retribution. It serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of moral transgression. This symbol of hanging resurfaces across cultures, evolving yet retaining its visceral impact, engaging viewers on a subconscious level with its blend of justice, fear, and the unsettling spectacle of death.