WitchesBroom Robert R Ingpen

The artwork presents a figure suspended in mid-air, propelled by what appears to be a rudimentary broomstick. The individual is clad in a loose, flowing garment that obscures any distinct physical features beyond the face and tangled hair. Arms are outstretched, contributing to an impression of both effort and exhilaration. Perched atop the broom is a domestic cat, observing the scene with apparent nonchalance.
The background is rendered in muted tones of yellow and brown, creating a hazy atmosphere that suggests either twilight or a dreamlike state. The ground below rises sharply from the bottom edge of the composition, covered in dense, textured vegetation – a field of tall grasses or reeds. A scattering of small figures can be discerned within this landscape, seemingly engaged in some form of activity, though their actions remain ambiguous.
The overall effect is one of whimsical fantasy and a gentle subversion of traditional narratives surrounding flight and magic. The presence of the cat introduces an element of domesticity and familiarity to the otherwise fantastical scenario; it’s not a creature of myth or legend but a common household pet. This juxtaposition softens the image, preventing it from becoming overtly menacing or frightening.
The figures expression is difficult to decipher definitively – a mixture of determination and perhaps a touch of vulnerability can be read into it. The loose clothing and unkempt hair contribute to an impression of freedom and spontaneity, suggesting a rejection of societal constraints. The small figures in the foreground could represent onlookers or participants in this unusual event, hinting at a community that accepts or even celebrates such unconventional behavior.
The composition’s verticality emphasizes the figures ascent, while the muted color palette lends a sense of quietude and introspection to the scene. It is an image that invites contemplation on themes of liberation, imagination, and the blurring of boundaries between reality and fantasy.