Bewitched Groom c. 1544

Hans Baldung created this image, "Bewitched Groom," using woodcut techniques. Notice the horse, which is not merely a horse, but a symbol deeply entwined with notions of primal energy and instinct. The grotesque figures of the witches lurking in the background remind me of similar figures from folklore. The groom himself, lying supine and seemingly helpless, brings to mind ancient fertility rituals where the male figure undergoes a symbolic death, which relates to the natural life cycle. Consider the horse motif; it gallops through art history, from the steeds of classical gods to the nightmares of Romantic painters. It evokes both power and vulnerability, its presence here charged with Baldung’s unique perspective. The horse symbol is more than just a beast of burden, but a powerful force engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. As you move on, consider how these primal symbols have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in various historical contexts.