Sämann Und Teufel. Zweite Fassung 1921

Albin Egger-Lienz painted “Sämann Und Teufel. Zweite Fassung,” depicting a sower walking alongside a figure representing the devil. Here we witness a contest over souls, played out in the timeless act of sowing. The sower, a symbol of life and growth, contrasts sharply with the devil, often seen as a tempter and destroyer. Consider how the sower's labor, a foundation of civilization, echoes ancient agrarian rituals, while the devil reminds us of humanity’s shadowed aspects. Think of similar symbolic struggles in medieval morality plays, where good and evil vie for the human soul. This duality is not new; it's a theme recurrent in art, and in life. Here, the artist uses an emotional and subconscious language, reminding us of our internal battles and the constant tension between creation and destruction. The image resonates with deep, primal fears and hopes, ensuring its place in our collective memory.