The Way of the Devil c. 1573

Editor: Here we have "The Way of the Devil" from the Workshop of Philips Galle. It's hard to put a date on it. Looking at the scene, I'm struck by its theatricality, almost like a dark stage play. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, it's a glorious little morality play, isn't it? The devil enthroned, flanked by the temptations of earthly delights on one side and the promise of ruin on the other, while mankind kneels in supplication. It's a potent image of choice, isn't it? Do we succumb, or do we resist? Editor: I hadn't thought about it as a moment of decision. Curator: Exactly! And perhaps, ultimately, the devil isn't some external force, but the reflection of our own desires. Editor: That adds a whole other layer. I will never see this image the same way again.