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.
Nov 2, 2024
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In the medieval times, people would tell boys to keep away from masturbation by saying that Lilith would come in, steal their semen and impregnate herself, creating baby demons 👹. Similarly, people would tell them that witches stole penises and they would use it to plant trees that they would grow and feed like pets.
This is an original painting made in that age. I know it probably has misogynistic connotations to it but I love it so much, as the woman I am, I’m reclaiming it 🖤
Apr 20, 2024
i have a lot of posters on my walls, one of them is this painting. i learned about it in my a european history class i took in high school and have been obsessed since. i like to get lost in it. there are so many tiny details that are so fun to look at and wonder how he came up with it.
Feb 28, 2025
made in the late 1400s, giant triptych of ~7 ft x 12.5 ft
saw it at the museo del prado in madrid and was absolutely awed by its fantastical and chaotic nature, changed my life, i got one of the little guys tatted on my thigh
Feb 9, 2024
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