It was believed, particularly in medieval times, that witches would plant penises. The seed would come from young men’s semen scattered as a product of their masturbation. This was supposed to scare people away from such acts, stir them away from sin.
Other similar story was about Lilith, Adam’s first wife, who was condemned to live in hell. In order to create baby demons, she would collect the semen from men, thus inseminating herself with it.
Another one I like, is this illustration that instructs on how to participate in a medieval divorce duel. An actual book with the rules was found in a small town in Germany, though they don’t know if these duels actually took place.
Las Meninas by Diego Velásquez is one I’ve had a connection with since I was a child.
As for paintings from other artists, I generally like the ones from Frida Kahlo, Remedios Varo, Basquiat, Goya, Caravaggio and Hieronymus Bosch.
