Saul and the Witch of Endor

Welcome, everyone! Before you stands Saul and the Witch of Endor, a captivating painting by the renowned Baroque artist Salvator Rosa. Created between 1660 and 1670, this dramatic work measures an impressive 1.93 meters wide and 2.73 meters high. nn The painting depicts a powerful scene centered on a witch, her light beige robe a striking contrast to the predominantly dark palette of deep browns and blacks that dominate the canvas. This use of chiaroscuro, with its stark contrasts of light and shadow, creates a truly dramatic and mysterious atmosphere. Notice how the light seems to emanate from the cauldron and perhaps from an unseen source above, highlighting the figures and intensifying the sense of mystery. nn The witch herself stands calmly, arms folded, seemingly unperturbed by the intense activity around her. Observe the muscular, bare-chested man with graying hair, actively involved in what appears to be a ritualistic act around a cauldron. He interacts with a partially obscured skeletal figure, adding to the painting's supernatural feel. Two armored figures kneel before the witch, their faces partially hidden, suggesting subservience or perhaps supplication. A further figure is partially visible in the lower right, seemingly observing the unfolding events. nn The overall composition is dynamic and tense, with the figures arranged to create a sense of movement and foreboding. The skeletal figure and the cauldron are potent symbols, likely representing death, magic, or the supernatural forces at play. The scene powerfully evokes the themes of witchcraft, divination, and the supernatural so prevalent in the Baroque period. This masterful use of light, shadow, and symbolic imagery is characteristic of Salvator Rosa's distinctive style. This remarkable piece is currently housed in Room 717.