E40 – The pigs of Gergesénen

“A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.” (Mark V, 11 – 13)

We can call this a circular composition following the arc of the evil spirits, who flee from the legion into the pigs and then end up in the sea. On the first plan they can be seen gradually disappearing in the pigs before they end up in the water. A Roman on horseback hears the complaint of the pig owners who do not like the whole thing. In front are two apostles, one of whom still has an oar in his hand, which is necessary because they have to cross the lake to reach Gergesénen. The trees follow the general movement or harmonize with it.

This work was made in Cocaraya (Bolivia) between the 25th of April and the 14th of May 1937.