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Historical Perspective on the Witch in Art

Circe and Medea in Classical Literature

The depiction of witches in art has a long and intricate history, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Classical literature featured notable witch-like figures such as Circe and Medea, laying the foundation for the iconography of the witch that would later emerge.

The Rise of the Witch Hunt

During the early modern period, the witch hunt phenomenon swept across Europe, leading to the persecution and execution of thousands accused of witchcraft. This period saw a surge in the production of art depicting witches, often portraying them as malevolent and deserving of punishment. The establishment of the witch iconography, as evidenced by the illustration of classical witches like Circe and Medea, played a significant role in shaping the perceptions and beliefs about witches during this turbulent time.

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