The Witches' Sabbath by Moonlight
Of the dozen or so known paintings ascribed to Wijnen, an unusual proportion depict scenes of the supernatural and of witchcraft, often by moonlight; such themes popularised by the works of Salvator Rosa, whose engravings were widely admired during the second half of the 17th century.
The present painting juxtaposes real and supernatural characters in a nocturnal scene taking place on the outskirts of a village. At the left of the composition, a woman accompanies an adolescent, who seems unable to see her. She holds a book in one hand and a stick in the other. A lion, symbol of courage, stands next to her naked feet. This woman likely represents an allegory of power, thus characterising youth.
The rest of the composition contains an ensemble of elements clearly pertaining to the world of sorcery. Indeed, death and love are in question here. Evil spirits, a demon holding a mirror off to the right, and the Devil, in the form of an old woman on a goat that dominates the scene, all feature. A pact has seemingly been made with the Devil: the protagonist has sold his soul for eternity, in exchange for a temporary allocation of his power. The central scene represents, in all probability, the Devil himself who comes to claim the soul of the hanged man, which passes through a ring - symbol of eternity - placed above the gallows.
Other elements holding traces of sorcery are represented here: the fire in the centre of the scene, a symbol of physical, moral and mystical transmutation. Close to the fire we find a cat, servant of the underworld, as well as a sleeping baby, often victims of sorcery.
