ROSA SALVATORE – Spirit of Samuel, summoned to Saul by a sorceress from Endor Louvre (Paris)

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a cavernous space, dominated by tenebrism – a stark contrast between light and shadow that intensifies the emotional weight of the narrative. Here we see three figures engaged in a spectral encounter. A man, prostrate on his knees, appears to be pleading or reaching out towards a luminous apparition. This figure is clad in armor, suggesting a position of authority or military status, yet he is rendered vulnerable by his posture and the surrounding darkness.
The apparition itself is bathed in an ethereal glow, its form indistinct but conveying a sense of otherworldly presence. The hood obscures much of the face, contributing to the mystery and spiritual nature of this being. It seems to be extending a hand towards the kneeling man, perhaps offering guidance or warning.
To the left, partially obscured by shadow, stands another figure – a spectral male form with an anguished expression. This individual appears to be emerging from the darkness, his body twisted in a posture that suggests torment or suffering. The artist has used color and light to highlight the raw emotion conveyed through this figure’s face and upper torso.
The palette is restricted primarily to browns, ochres, and deep reds, with the exception of the luminous white highlighting the apparition. This limited range reinforces the somber mood and contributes to a sense of claustrophobia within the confined space. The darkness that surrounds the figures serves not only as a compositional element but also as a symbolic representation of the unknown and the spiritual realm.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests a power dynamic at play. The kneeling man seems reliant on the apparition for answers or intervention, while the spectral figure to his left embodies the consequences of past actions – a visual echo of regret and potential doom. The sorceress who summoned this scene is absent from view, but her presence is implied through the unfolding events, adding a layer of intrigue regarding the motivations behind this supernatural encounter. Overall, the painting conveys themes of desperation, spiritual seeking, and the confrontation with mortality.