Salvator Rosa – Witches at their Incantations Part 6 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a nocturnal scene, dominated by a group gathered around a central fire. The setting appears to be a wild, rocky landscape, shrouded in deep shadow and punctuated by gnarled trees. A palpable sense of unease permeates the atmosphere, amplified by the dramatic chiaroscuro – the stark contrast between light and dark – that defines the visual field.
Here we see a diverse assembly of figures engaged in what seems to be a ritualistic practice. Several individuals are partially or fully unclothed, adding an element of vulnerability and perhaps transgression to their actions. A central figure, seated near the fire, appears to be presiding over the gathering; his aged face is etched with intensity as he gestures towards a cauldron bubbling over the flames. Around him, others participate in various activities: some stir the concoction, while others observe intently or appear lost in trance-like states.
The inclusion of an animal – likely a goat – tied to a tree further reinforces the association with pagan rites and folklore. The skeletal remains hanging from a branch above contribute to the overall macabre tone, suggesting themes of mortality and decay. A figure on horseback, positioned towards the right side of the canvas, seems to be observing the scene with a mixture of apprehension and fascination.
The artist employed a loose, expressive brushstroke that lends dynamism to the composition. The figures are not rendered with precise detail but rather suggested through broad strokes of color and light. This technique enhances the sense of mystery and ambiguity surrounding their actions.
Subtly embedded within this depiction is an exploration of societal anxieties regarding the unknown and the marginalized. The gathering, presented as a clandestine assembly in a remote location, hints at a fear of those who operate outside established norms. The presence of nudity and unconventional practices may be interpreted as symbolic representations of repressed desires or forbidden knowledge. Ultimately, the work evokes a sense of primal power and unsettling beauty, inviting contemplation on the darker aspects of human nature and the enduring allure of the supernatural.