Cornelisz. van Oostsanen, Jacob – Saul bij de heks van Endor, 1526 Rijksmuseum: part 2

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within and around a monumental archway. The central focus lies on a seated figure, presumably a sorceress, surrounded by onlookers and spectral apparitions. She gestures upwards with one arm, seemingly invoking or revealing something beyond the immediate space. Her posture conveys a mixture of authority and apprehension.
To her left, a man in elaborate attire appears to be the primary supplicant, his expression a blend of anxiety and expectation as he gazes towards the apparition. He holds open a book, likely containing scriptural references relevant to the unfolding events. A young boy stands beside him, seemingly observing the scene with wide-eyed curiosity.
The archway itself serves as a crucial element in the painting’s structure. It frames a landscape visible through its opening – a pastoral vista populated by figures and animals, suggesting a connection between the earthly realm of the sorceress and a broader, perhaps divine, context. Above this landscape, a ghostly rider appears, seemingly descending from the heavens, further emphasizing the supernatural nature of the encounter.
On the right side of the composition, several female figures are arranged in a semi-circle. One holds a vessel aloft, as if offering it to the spectral presence. Another leans forward with an expression of concern or fear. A skeletal figure stands behind them, its hand raised in a gesture that could be interpreted as either warning or benediction.
The artist employs a complex interplay of light and shadow to heighten the drama. The sorceress and her immediate surroundings are bathed in a dramatic spotlight, while other areas recede into darkness. This contrast draws attention to the central action and creates a sense of mystery and foreboding.
Subtleties within the painting suggest deeper layers of meaning. The presence of musical notation on a scroll suspended above the scene hints at the power of sound and ritual in summoning or communicating with spirits. The inclusion of animals – dogs, birds, and livestock – adds a touch of realism to the otherwise fantastical setting, grounding the narrative in a recognizable world.
The overall effect is one of intense theatricality and spiritual tension. The artist has constructed a scene that is both visually arresting and intellectually stimulating, inviting viewers to contemplate the boundaries between the natural and supernatural realms, and the consequences of seeking knowledge from forbidden sources.