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Swimming a Witch
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Swimming a Witch
The art of Swimming a witch. The lady floating is the witch, who by dint of her buoyancy has failed the test. At the bottom right-hand corner you can see the feet of the woman who passed the test but who did not necessarily survive the experience! Date: 16th century
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Media ID 8694651
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10430430
Bound Cruelty Drown Drowning Drowns Feet Float Floating Folklore Magic Pond Punish Punishment Swim Swimming Swims Test Testing Thrown Witch Witchcraft Witches Binded Binds Myth Paranormal Punishes
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing 16th century print depicts the bizarre and ominous ritual of "Swimming a Witch." The central figure is a woman, suspected of practicing dark magic, who is being tested for her buoyancy in a body of water. According to folklore, witches were believed to be able to float due to their supposed supernatural abilities. In this print, the witch, with a determined expression on her face, has failed the test, as she is not able to float but instead sinks to the bottom. At the bottom right-hand corner, the feet of a woman can be seen, who passed the test but did not necessarily survive the experience. The cruelty of this ancient belief system is evident as the failed witch could be subjected to various forms of punishment, including drowning or burning at the stake. The paranormal belief in the ability of witches to float in water is rooted in the folklore and mythology of various cultures. This print is a chilling reminder of the cruel and inhumane ways in which those accused of witchcraft were treated during this period. The image is a haunting testament to the power of fear and superstition, and the devastating consequences they can have on innocent lives.
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