Deal with the Devil
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A deal with the Devil or Faustian bargain is a cultural trope exemplified most famously by the legend of Faust and the figure of Mephistopheles, as well as being elemental to many Christian traditions
Engraving of Faust's pact with Mephisto, by Adolf Gnauth (circa 1840)
Copy of a written deal by Christoph Haizmann from 1669.
Urbain Grandier's pact
Pope Sylvester II and the devil in an illustration of c. 1460.
The idea of making a deal with the Devil has appeared many times in works of popular culture. These pacts with the Devil can be found in many genres, including: books, music, comics, theater, movies,
Deal with the Devil
…was accused of negotiating with the Nazis to save a select few at the expense of the many. The term has been mis-used in reference to Kastner's act. Deals with the Devil in popular culture Daniel Salthenius…
Polish folklore legend Pan Twardowski and the devil by Michał Elwiro Andriolli
Christoph Haizmann’s 1677-78 votive painting (triptych). Left: Satan appears as a fine burgher, and Haizmann signs a pact with ink. Right: The devil reappears a year later and forces Haizmann to sign another pact with his own blood. Middle: The Virgin Mary makes the devil return the second pact during an exorcism.
Illustration of the legend behind Giuseppe Tartini's "Devil's Trill Sonata"