The Groom Bewitched Hans Baldung Grien (1480-1545)

The drawing presents a stark division into two distinct scenes, vertically stacked and framed within architectural elements that suggest interior spaces. The upper portion depicts a man transformed into a horse, standing in what appears to be a stable or enclosed area. A winged figure, presumably a sorceress or witch, hovers above him, extending a hand as if completing the spell. Her face is rendered with exaggerated features – a prominent nose and pointed chin – reinforcing her association with the supernatural and potentially malevolent forces. The horse’s anatomy is meticulously detailed, conveying both power and vulnerability in its posture.
Below this scene lies a man sprawled on the floor, his body contorted in an unnatural position. His face is obscured, but the visible details of his attire – including what appears to be a fur-lined garment – suggest a person of some status or wealth. A hammer and other tools lie scattered near him, hinting at a trade or craft that has been abruptly interrupted. The placement of these objects, along with the man’s posture, implies an unexpected and violent event.
The compositions structure creates a visual link between the two scenes: the transformation in the upper register directly precipitates the scene below. This suggests a narrative sequence – the bewitching leads to the man’s downfall. The architectural framing of both scenes lends them a sense of theatricality, as if we are witnessing a staged drama.
Subtexts within the drawing revolve around themes of power, vulnerability, and societal disruption. The transformation into an animal speaks to a loss of control and humanity, potentially symbolizing humiliation or subjugation. The man’s fall could represent a consequence of hubris or a victimhood imposed by forces beyond his understanding. The tools scattered near him might symbolize the fragility of human endeavors when confronted with supernatural interference. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of unease and foreboding, exploring the precariousness of human existence in the face of unseen powers.