Tarantella (Athanasius Kircher)

This engraving depicts the phenomenon of tarantism, where the bite of a spider was believed to be cured by specific rhythmic music and dancing. The top section displays the musical score used for the cure, the middle contains a map of the Apulian 'heel' of Italy, and the bottom shows large, detailed anatomical views of the spider's dorsal and ventral sides. A central banner identifies the creature as the 'True image of the Apulian Tarantula.'

Athanasius Kircher used this work to argue for his theory of 'magnetic' sympathies, suggesting that musical vibrations could resonate with and expel venom from the body. It represents an early modern attempt to provide a scientific and musicological explanation for folk traditions and natural phenomena.