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Testing witches by throwing them in a river (woodcut)
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Testing witches by throwing them in a river (woodcut)
3245496 Testing witches by throwing them in a river (woodcut) by English School, (17th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark Pictures; English, out of copyright
Media ID 23474944
© Peter Newark Pictures / Bridgeman Images
Boar Boars Carts Injustice Judgement Persecution Test Testing Watermill Witch Hunt Witchcraft Dunking Watermills
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This woodcut print from the 17th century depicts a chilling scene of testing witches by throwing them into a river. The image showcases the dark period of witchcraft persecution and moral panic that plagued society during that time. In the foreground, we see a cart filled with people, both men and women, being transported towards the river. A boar accompanies them, symbolizing danger and wildness. The tension in their faces reflects their fear as they face this unjust judgment. The river itself becomes an ominous character in this artwork. It represents not only the test these accused witches must endure but also serves as a metaphor for cleansing or punishment through water. Watermills can be seen along its banks, reminding us of civilization's presence amidst such cruelty. Horses nearby suggest authority figures overseeing this grotesque spectacle while wildlife like birds fly overhead, perhaps signifying nature's indifference to human suffering. This woodcut print captures the injustice and hysteria surrounding witch hunts during that era. It serves as a reminder of how easily societies can succumb to mass paranoia and persecution based on unfounded beliefs. Preserved in private collection today, this powerful artwork continues to provoke contemplation about our collective past and serves as a cautionary tale against repeating history's mistakes.
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