Four Naked Women (The Four Witches), 1496 – 1497

About the Work

The exact meaning of this mysterious depiction is unknown. It may be a New Year’s greeting with symbolic content. At any rate, it offers clear evidence of Dürer’s interest in anatomical studies. The demon of hell in the doorway at the left holds an oblong clamp trap of the kind used for catching birds. From other depictions of this instrument, we know that the devilish figure is lying in wait not for the women, but for lustful viewers.