When +where would these J.W. Waterhouse subjects have lived? Medieval witches or earlier? Renaissance?

I’m not familiar with this artist, but the paintings date from the late 19th, early 20th century and the style of both paintings is very similar to the pre-Raphaelites. The pre-Raphaelites used medieval subjects and themes in a highly romanticized way, not necessarily with historical accuracy. I would definitely say the witches depicted are meant to be Medieval, but as I say, not necessarily accurately portrayed.

Thanks janbb :) ! I’m new to this subject and your info was helpful.

I’ve done some research and I’ve come across the info you posted. I’m wondering where/when practicing the occult/magic would have been acceptable (or not) like in the paintings.

As I said, I wouldn’t look for too much accuracy from these paintings. If you want real information, try to find some books on the history of the practice of witchcraft. There certainly were women who were considered witches historically but they were usually not upper class women in fancy dresses.

ok, thanks again :)

This article is very interesting regarding the study for “The Magic Circle”

Here is more information on the Artist.

He was a master artist- his quality of work and attention to detail are amazing.

While I cannot date the costume of the subjects I hope at least I have helped you learn more about the motivation behind the supernatural series of paintings he did.

I’d like to create a doll/figure that is a witch, but I wanted the back story to actually make some sense so I’m trying to figure out when witchcraft was totally taboo and also places and times when it was tolerated.

@Dog Yeah, I’ve already read that one, it was helpful.

So far what I know is;
During the middle ages is when it was not tolerated (but during the the witch craze only or what?)

and their was an interest in the occult again during the renaissance?

I’d guess the subjects in the painting are supposed to be from around the 6th century or so?

Actually, a lot of the ‘collective concept’ of witchcraft is more associated with ‘early modern’ europe, not the middle ages.

I know that there was a period of time where Arthurian themes were very popular in painting. The original stories though lost to us were pagan in origin and were later Christianized by invading forces. If you are looking for a period of time in which magic use and witchcraft were seen more favorably I would suggest looking into pre-Christian pagans in the British Isles and elsewhere. The demonization of witchcraft was an act of the Christian church.

England became Christian in 597 under Roman influence. 1

Whether or not Arthur existed in real life or just in legend the Arthurian stories are roughly considered to fall in the early 500’s, (long before the invention of plate armor and other anachronistic staples of modern versions of the Arthur legend). 2 3

@fundevogel i agree, i was speaking of the later ‘demonization’ of witchcraft, as this is the image that most people think of when they think of witches, rather than “cunning folk”, “shamanistic healers” or “pagan priests”.. nice answer :) p.s. the time period i am speaking of of the ‘classic witch’ and all the trials that involved is much later than you are thinking.. extremely broadly, the 15th-17th centuries.

@fundevogel

Great, thanks. I was doing some reading and agree with your info.

@___ Indeed, I’m thinking I ought to read up more on pre-Christian Europe. What I have heard of it is fascinating, though I imagine it probably wasn’t a very well documented period of time.

@fundevogel considering what documentation we have at all in Europe is largely courtesy of monastic scribes (and what is lacking is largely due to it’s purposeful destruction).. I would tend to agree with you. However, there is in fact plenty of information to be had thanks largely to the romans in a way as well at least.

@___ The thing is Romans obviously weren’t around for much of the time I’m thinking of and thought so poorly of those they conquered that I don’t think they’d make a very good source. After all, contemporary accounts are where its at.

Maybe I’ll take the whole thing with a grain of salt and regard it as a mythic history.

Aahh, witches. As a former midwife, a topic close to my heart since midwives were among the women healers who were frequently persecuted. There is a seminal essay by feminists Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English, written in the early 1970s, called Women, Nurse, and Midwives – the first half or so is a nice overview of the early witch hunts.

I would think 1300 – 1500 AD, to coincide with Arthurian legends and the practice of alchemy.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Good luck with the artwork.

Thanks! I’m more motivated now!

Waterhouse was inspired by the Priestesses of Venus and Aphrodite and his images depict both scholarly historical studies as well as mythology of the women who were not prostitutes as some literature would convey but instead masters in psychology, the arts, sex, and society. they were the most educated women of society. He also depicts the romanticism of his own era. He is one of my favorite artists.