Depictions of Witchcraft: Stereotypes vs. Reality
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Kathy Callahan
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
This poster seeks to examine the visual representation of witchcraft through various forms of early modern European media. It will compare the visual depictions of witches and witchcraft with the actual women who were accused. The comparisons will revolve around the stereotypes of witches versus the actualities of the women accused of witchcraft. This will serve to illustrate how the underlying misogyny fueled the witch hunts and mass panics. The visual representations of witches reflect many of the demographics of women who were actually accused. However, these representations are often gross exaggerations meant to invoke fear from the people. In many aspects, these exaggerations are not commonly found in the actual cases of witchcraft in Europe.
Location
Cumberland Room, Curris Center
Start Date
April 2016
End Date
April 2016
Depictions of Witchcraft: Stereotypes vs. Reality
Cumberland Room, Curris Center
This poster seeks to examine the visual representation of witchcraft through various forms of early modern European media. It will compare the visual depictions of witches and witchcraft with the actual women who were accused. The comparisons will revolve around the stereotypes of witches versus the actualities of the women accused of witchcraft. This will serve to illustrate how the underlying misogyny fueled the witch hunts and mass panics. The visual representations of witches reflect many of the demographics of women who were actually accused. However, these representations are often gross exaggerations meant to invoke fear from the people. In many aspects, these exaggerations are not commonly found in the actual cases of witchcraft in Europe.