The document discusses how witches and witchcraft were viewed during the 16th and 17th centuries. It includes descriptions and analyses of several paintings and illustrations from this era depicting scenes of witches, their activities, and their persecution. The purpose is to understand both what people at the time believed about witches and witchcraft as well as how those beliefs were reflected in artistic works from that period.

1. Who are these people and what do you think is happening? Image Reproduced Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Massachusetts Illustration ( Neg# 19927) , "Arresting a Witch"

2. Image Reproduced Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Massachusetts Illustration, "Arresting a Witch" Now look at the title of the illustration. Is this what you thought the illustration was all about? Who are these people and what do you think is happening?

3. Witches and Witchcraft Fact or Fiction ?

4. To find out what people thought about witches and witchcraft during the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries. To discover what type of people were accused of being witches during this period.

5. Take a trip back in time Agnes Simpson Interview

6. You may be asked to jot down some information during this exercise, so make sure that you have a pen and paper ready. Click here if you wish to view the following painting as a Quicktime movie file before moving on to the exercise. You are now going to find out a little more about how many people during the early part of the Seventeenth Century (1600’s) viewed witches and witchcraft.

7. The Witches' Sabbath , painted in 1606 Click here to print out worksheet 1 HTD68835 The Witches Sabbath, 1606 by Frans II The Younger Francken, (1581-1642), Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK, (Out of Copyright) You are going to explore this painting on the next page.

8. Click on the parts of the picture that you would like to explore in more detail. When you have finished click here HTD68835 The Witches Sabbath, 1606 by Frans II, The Younger Francken, (1581-1642), Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK, (Out of Copyright)

9. Potions Medicine, or poison in liquid form. Incense This provides a fragrant smell when burnt. Q. When you go back to the main picture try and spot where and in what the potions are being mixed together? Q. Why do you think that incense is being burnt? Click here for a clue.

11. Remember how important religion was at this time . Demons An evil spirit or devil. Many people thought witchcraft to be the work of the Devil. Some pets were thought to be demons, or familiars . These could disguise themselves as common animals such as cats, dogs, frogs or rabbits.

12. Skull – The skeleton of the head. These were often used in paintings as reminders of death and the afterlife. Could they provide a link with the dead and spirits from beyond the grave? Consider how superstitious people were at this time. Q. What are the skulls lying on? Q. What has been put with them?

13. Witch S omebody who practices magic (in this case ‘dark’ forms of magic. It was thought at this time that witches were sometimes accompanied by a a devil or ‘ familia r’ spirit. Lots of witches together are called a coven. Q. What do you find strange about the two witches at the front of the picture? Q. What do you find strange about the appearance of this witch ? Do you expect a witch to look like this?

14. Cauldron A large round pot made of metal which is used for boiling food. Cauldrons could also be used for mixing potions…. (When you go back to the painting look at the fireplace) Q. Can you link this with any other part of the picture? ( Clue: Go back and look on the shelves)

15. Witch When people think of witches they tend to think that they will be female. Men were also accused of witchcraft. A male witch is sometimes called a Warlock – a wizard or sorcerer. Q. Are all of those present within this painting female?

16. A Familiar This was thought to be an evil spirit that had taken on the form of an animal A Spell book C ontained incantations, chants and spells Q. How many creatures can you see in the picture? Q. Describe some of these creatures. Familiars could even look like common pets!

17. Could this be a reference to Doctor Faustus (made famous in a play by Christopher Marlowe in 1604)? Ask your teacher about this. Sprites Supernatural beings or the souls of people. They can sometimes take on a ghostly appearance. Levitation Rising into the air using supernatural powers.

18. Circle the witches Highlight the spell books Highlight the strange creatures As you do this, discuss with the rest of the class what you have found out. What I can see worksheet Whiteboard Version of worksheet HTD68835 The Witches Sabbath, 1606 by Frans II The Younger Francken, (1581-1642), Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK, (Out of Copyright)

19. What did I find ? How did the Tudors and Stuarts view witchcraft?

20. Wanted Must be able to take up the post immediately. * Some night shift work * Some danger (to your person and soul) * May have to face fierce animals But: * Well paid * Most victims will be defenceless old ladies * Possible retirement package

21. Highlight areas of the illustration that you would like to discuss. Click here for questions Image courtesy of Leicester University Library, Special Collections Department

22. Highlight areas of the illustration that you would like to discuss. Who is this person? What is his job ? What do you think that he is doing? What types of animals are shown ? Why have the animals been illustrated in this way ? Image courtesy of Leicester University Library, Special Collections Department Click here for questions

23. Further Discussion Overall, what is happening in the picture? What do you think was the purpose of pictures and illustrations such as these? Image courtesy of Leicester University Library, Special Collections Department

24. Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. Click upon the picture that you would like to study Recap Courtesy of Glasgow University library, Special Collections

25. Highlight areas of the illustration that you would like to discuss. Click here for questions Image Courtesy of Glasgow University Library, Special Collections

26. Highlight areas of the illustration that you would like to discuss. Image courtesy of Glasgow University Library, Special Collections 1) Who are the people in the picture supposed to be? 2) What is the object in the centre of the picture? 3) What are these people placing in this object? 4) What is happening as a result of their actions? Click here for questions

27. Write a paragraph describing the scene shown in the picture. Remember to add and explain as much information as possible. Click here for help

28. Write a paragraph describing the scene shown in the picture. Remember to add and explain as much information as possible. Click here for help * Briefly explain what the whole scene is about - then, * Describe what is happening in each part of the picture in more detail. i) Who are the people shown? ii) What are they doing and what may the outcome of their actions be?

29. Inlaid wood picture, by Elias C. Larrabee, Jr. 1885. Based on a painting by Douglas Volk . Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.

30. Who do you think these people are? Inlaid wood picture, by Elias C. Larrabee, Jr. 1885. Based on a painting by Douglas Volk . Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.

31. Why do you think these people are here? Inlaid wood picture, by Elias C. Larrabee, Jr. 1885. Based on a painting by Douglas Volk . Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.

32. Who do you think these people are? Why has this person covered their face? Inlaid wood picture, by Elias C. Larrabee, Jr. 1885. Based on a painting by Douglas Volk . Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.

33. Who do you think these people are? Why are they so worried? Inlaid wood picture, by Elias C. Larrabee, Jr. 1885. Based on a painting by Douglas Volk . Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.

34. ? Inlaid wood picture, by Elias C. Larrabee, Jr. 1885. Based on a painting by Douglas Volk . Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. What do you think this picture is called? Discussion

35. ? Inlaid wood picture, by Elias C. Larrabee, Jr. 1885. Based on a painting by Douglas Volk . Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. What do you think this picture is called? "Accusation of a Witch" Discussion

36. Write a paragraph describing the scene shown in the picture. Remember to add and explain as much information as possible. Click here for help Inlaid wood picture, by Elias C. Larrabee, Jr. 1885. Based on a painting by Douglas Volk . Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.

37. Write a paragraph describing the scene shown in the picture. Remember to add and explain as much information as possible. Click here for help * Briefly explain what the whole scene is about - then, * Describe what is happening in each part of the picture in more detail. i) Who are the people shown? ii) Why are these people here – what are their jobs? iii) What may the outcome of this event be? Inlaid wood picture, by Elias C. Larrabee, Jr. 1885. Based on a painting by Douglas Volk . Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.

38. Write down as many facts as you can remember about witches and witchcraft Wall of remembrance Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts.

39. Next Time Lesson 2 Make it a clean sweep In the spotlight: Witch Trials and Punishments. End Extension

40. Extension Work and Revision: For more information upon Witchcraft you could visit The University of Glasgow website - Special Collections Department. http://special.lib. gla .ac. uk / You may also like to visit Peabody Essex Museum: http://www. pem .org for additional information upon witchcraft and The Salem Witch Trials. Although institutions and organisations have kindly agreed that we can provide links and use some of the images found on their sites, they are not responsible for the way in which those images have been used. Nor are they responsible for any of the written content found within this presentation.