Der Teufel und die Hölle

The work opens by pointing out a surprising silence in art‑history scholarship: while theology and literature have long examined the Devil and Hell, their visual representation has received little systematic study. Drawing on a wide range of sources—from early medieval mosaics and ivory carvings to the dramatic frescoes of the Dante era—the author maps how these fearsome figures entered the artistic imagination. The opening chapters set the stage by outlining the methodological framework that will guide the survey.

From the eighth century onward, the study follows the shifting iconography of the infernal realm, showing how biblical motifs merged with local myths and evolving artistic styles. Each epoch is examined through the lenses of sculpture, metalwork, miniature painting and fresco, revealing recurring patterns as well as startling innovations. The narrative highlights how changes in theological thought and cultural attitudes are reflected in the way artists rendered the Devil’s form and the landscape of punishment.

Listeners will come away with a clearer picture of how visual art has both shaped and been shaped by the enduring fascination with evil and its consequences. By tracing these images across centuries, the book offers a richly illustrated journey into the darker side of Western artistic tradition, inviting reflection on how fear, morality and creativity intertwine.