Witches' Sabbath (Goya, 1798)

Witches' Sabbath (Goya, 1798), also known as The Great He-Goat or El Aquelarre, is an oil painting by Spanish artist Francisco Goya, completed between 1797 and 1798. It forms part of a series of six paintings on witchcraft commissioned for the Alameda de los Osuna country estate near Madrid. These paintings, along with other works, decorated the walls of the estate, reflecting the interests and intellectual leanings of the Duchess of Osuna, Maria Josefa Pimentel, a notable figure in the Enlightenment.

The painting depicts a nightmarish scene of a group of witches gathered around a large black goat, representing the Devil. The goat receives offerings, including children, as can be observed in the distressed mothers presenting their offspring. The scene is filled with grotesque figures, contorted faces, and an unsettling atmosphere that evokes themes of superstition, ignorance, and the darker aspects of human nature. Goya used dark, muted colors and dramatic lighting to create a sense of horror and unease.

Witches' Sabbath (Goya, 1798) is considered a significant work within Goya's oeuvre, showcasing his interest in the irrational and the supernatural. It also reflects the social anxieties and critiques prevalent during the late 18th century, particularly concerning the power of superstition and the dangers of unchecked religious fervor. The painting is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.