The Witch of Malleghem

About this work

This crowded scene shows a chaotic workshop packed with odd figures. Some are stirring pots, others hold strange tools or bottles, and a few seem to be arguing or laughing. The background has a small village, a ship, and a person hanging from a tree. Shelves and tables overflow with jars, vats, and half-finished objects. The tiny text on the right corner hints at a hidden message—someone wrote a short poem in Latin. This kind of secret detail was common in Renaissance allegories, where artists hid meanings for those who looked closely. Next, check out how this image was made using engraving.