Hammer of Witches Print, Compendium Maleficarum Engraving by Francesco Maria Guazzo, 1608 – Witchcraft Demonology Print, Occult Magic Poster, Medieval Witch Illustration, Vintage Esoteric Wall Art Decor #179

This Occult Witchcraft Poster is a reproduction of a chilling woodcut from the infamous Compendium Maleficarum by Francesco Maria Guazzo (1608), one of the most influential demonological treatises of the early modern era. The engraving depicts a shocking scene: a man renouncing Christ before a demonic figure, symbolizing the feared pact between humans and infernal powers. Behind him, a group of witnesses watches in fear and disbelief, reflecting the climate of hysteria that surrounded witchcraft and heresy in medieval and Renaissance Europe.

Originally published in Milan at the height of witch trials, the Compendium Maleficarum was widely used by inquisitors as a guide to recognizing and prosecuting witches. Today, the image is both a dark historical artifact and a powerful emblem of humanity’s struggle with temptation, spiritual rebellion, and occult imagination.

What the Artwork Depicts

• The Demon – A horned, winged creature with claws and bestial features, embodying medieval Europe’s vision of Satan’s emissaries.

• The Pact-Maker – A man kneeling before the demon, renouncing Christ and showing allegiance to infernal forces, a motif common in witch trial narratives.

• The Broken Cross – Lying at the demon’s feet, representing blasphemy, desecration, and rejection of Christianity.

• The Witnesses – A group of fearful figures recoiling, reflecting the social fear of witchcraft and damnation.

• Medieval Woodcut Style – Raw lines, stark contrasts, and dramatic composition intensify the moral warning conveyed in the scene.

Symbolism and Esoteric Meaning

• Renunciation of Christ – At the heart of the engraving is the act of apostasy, seen as the ultimate step in a witch’s pact with the Devil.

• The Pact with the Devil – Represents the medieval belief that witches and sorcerers exchanged their souls for knowledge and power.

• Broken Cross – A symbol of heresy and spiritual rebellion against divine order.

• Fear of the Occult – Captures the paranoia of the period, where supernatural forces were blamed for misfortune and chaos.

• Occult Reinterpretation – In modern esotericism, the demon and the act of renunciation may be seen symbolically, as confronting shadow, power, and forbidden wisdom.

• Collective Fear – The gathered witnesses represent society’s complicity in the persecution of witches and outsiders.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Compendium Maleficarum (1608), authored by the Milanese priest Francesco Maria Guazzo, served as both a judicial manual and a theological treatise on witches, demons, and sorcery. Like its predecessor, the Malleus Maleficarum (1487), it reinforced the belief in demonic pacts and heretical rites, often illustrated through woodcuts such as this.

The renunciation of Christ was considered a crucial element in witch trial testimonies, symbolizing the soul’s transfer from God to the Devil. Such images were not merely illustrations but tools of persuasion, reinforcing fear of witchcraft while justifying persecution.

Today, the engraving is valued for its occult symbolism, historical insight, and psychological depth, reflecting both the fears of the past and the enduring fascination with the forbidden.

Why Choose This Print?

• Authentic reproduction of Francesco Maria Guazzo’s Compendium Maleficarum (1608).

• Vivid depiction of a man renouncing Christ before a demon.

• Rich in witchcraft, demonology, and occult symbolism.

• Ideal for witchcraft altars, esoteric studies, and gothic interiors.

• Available on aged handmade paper for antique effect or artist-grade canvas for durability.

• Unframed print – ready to be customized with your own frame.

• A dramatic blend of history, theology, and occult imagination.

Perfect For

• Collectors of occult, witchcraft, and demonology prints.

• Students of theology, history of witch trials, and medieval superstition.

• Practitioners of ritual magic and shadow work.

• Admirers of gothic horror, medieval woodcuts, and vintage occult art.

• A thought-provoking gift for witches, mystics, and lovers of dark history.

Renunciation and Shadow

This Compendium Maleficarum Poster is more than an illustration – it is a meditation on faith, fear, and forbidden knowledge. It captures one of the most terrifying accusations of the witch trials: the renunciation of Christ in exchange for demonic power.

👉 Order your Compendium Maleficarum Print today and add to your collection a haunting image of medieval demonology, occult history, and humanity’s confrontation with shadow.

Canvas vs. Hand-Made Paper — Print Comparison Guide