Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, 1797
The Witches Flight
It’s a work rife with symbolism. Goya’s airborne witches wear sanbenito, the tall conical hats worn by heretics during the Spanish inquisition. A cowering peasant makes the figa gesture with their hands to ward off evil. A donkey, symbol of ignorance, observes without fright. The image may be a powerful critique of superstition, but it’s also a damn scary painting. read more
