The state of the art witch series is an exciting new trend in literature, captivating readers with its enchanting characters and bewitching storytelling. These series delve into the magical world of witches, a subject that has long fascinated and intrigued both young and old alike. With each installment, readers are taken on a spellbinding journey filled with adventure, mystery, and of course, magic. What sets the state of the art witch series apart from its predecessors is the level of detail and complexity that authors bring to their magical world-building. The witches in these series are no longer portrayed as stereotypical sorceresses or wicked old hags. Instead, they are multifaceted characters with their own unique abilities, strengths, and vulnerabilities.
Instead, they are multifaceted characters with their own unique abilities, strengths, and vulnerabilities. This level of nuance and depth adds a layer of realism to the stories, making them even more engaging and relatable to readers. Moreover, the state of the art witch series often explores relevant themes and issues that resonate with modern readers.
Aesthetically Hoarded Guest Post: Witches of Western Art
The Season of the Witch is half over and there is so much yet to explore. Soon I hope to take you on a literary journey of the witch as character, but in the meantime, I have enlisted some help.
I could think of no one better to dive deep into the canvas and uncover the evolution of the witch in art than Aesthetically Hoarded. For the uninitiated, Aesthetically Hoarded is an Instagram account dedicated to art history, run by a human named Sean based in Liverpool, UK. Sean describes himself as “a ‘failed’ artist” who still “love[s] the stuff and take[s] great joy in sharing art with people.” Having studied art in Liverpool, Sean has curated an inexhaustible digital library, which he shares in informative, bite-sized chunks with a devilish streak of dark humour.
The Round of the Sabbath or Witches’ Sabbath, Louis Boulanger, 1828 | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
“For me,” Sean explains, “Gothic brings to mind images of churches and gargoyles, specifically Whitby […] with it’s ties to Dracula and wind beaten churches and cathedrals.” Whilst Whitby, vampires and architecture may not be persistent features of the Aesthetically Hoarded collection – it’s not all dark and certainly not all Gothic – Gothic art and the Gothic within art do make appearances nonetheless.
The witch is one such Gothic figure present in art across genres… and that is my cue to step aside and hand the keyboard over to Sean who will guide us through the history of witches in western art…
Illumination in Ladies’ Champion, Martin Le Franc, 1451 | Wiki CommonsThe modern image we have today of witches has evolved through many different iterations in art since the 15th century. Originally conceived almost as a religious dig at a specific sect of Christianity known as the ‘Waldensians’, the first recorded image of a witch in western art was in the margins of a manuscript of the 1451 poem, Le Champion des Dames. The sect was seen as heretical and rumours were that Waldensian women rode around on brooms at night.
Witches’ Sabbath, Francisco Goya, 1797-8 | Wiki Commons
Although originally created in derision at a sect of Christianity, the idea quickly evolved, and the heretical nature of the Witch became magnified. Around the end of the 15th century you start seeing images of witches riding goats and cavorting naked in groups (the horror).
The most interesting development in all of this, bar the Satanic, is of the ‘witch’s coven.’ Now we start to see the real fear: women en masse, talking, being free. It’s incredible to see this male paranoia manifest.
The Witches’ Sabbath, Salvator Rosa, c. 1640 – 1649 | The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The paranoia and hysteria grew more and more as the witch trials became a reality. Art showed what men feared: independent, literate women congregating – the devil surely must be involved! Now here comes the best bit, the image of witches and their Satanic frolicking became so ridiculous to the art world, artist started to mock the very idea of witches in their art.
Artists like Goya and Salvator Rosa mocked the superstitious and uneducated, creating these wonderful scenes of caricatured witchcraft, which, if I’m honest, were more influential on the image we have of witches today than anything else.
Witch Riding Backwards on a Goat, Albrecht Dürer, 1501-2| Museum of New Zealand
As time went on and practising witchcraft was decriminalised (incidentally the witch trials didn’t truly end until 1834… yeah…) depictions of witches softened. Waterhouse’s The Magic Circle, for example, perfectly illustrates a romantic view of witches. She is a woman, beautiful, and mastering things men couldn’t conceive of. He even gave her a coven, although it is in the background, in a cave. As the paranoia subsided so did the severity and brutal nature of witches in art.
Modern witches in art have entered myth. No longer are they considered something to believe in or fear, hence more whimsical images appear, such as Ida Rentoul Outhwaite’s series of witches from Fairy Land.
More recently there has been a resurgence in interest in witches and witchcraft, probably fuelled in part by the book Circe by Madeline Miller. Ultimately, to me at least, witches in art have gone from male paranoia of women’s power, to an empowering image of the power women do have. Much like the sphinx of myth (which is half-woman, half-lion, and the personification of man’s fear of women, power, and beauty) sadly it took far too long for people to realise that the witch is nothing to be feared.
It seems to me (Generally Gothic here again, hi!) that, just like in history, the witch in art has evolved from an emblem of religious persecution to the embodiment of female empowerment. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or on Instagram.
I, for one, am bewitched by the synchronicity between art and history, with a huge thank you to Sean for this spell-binding piece! You can find Sean’s full and growing collection on Flickr, and follow him on Instagram where he is “always willing to chat about art,” share knowledge, and hopes that “you find at least some enjoyment in the art and artists [he] show[s,]” which I’m certain you will!
Elves & Fairies, Ida Rentoul Outhwaite, 1916 | State Library VictoriaIf you’d like to see your work featured here – whether you’re a blossoming expert, a self-made specialist, or want a reason to research – reach out! I’m also open to collaborations and would love to see your creative, um… creations (poetry, short fiction, artwork, photography) too!
In case you missed, it I’m hosting a Daphne du Maurier vintage giveaway, in honour of the literary witch’s birthday. Find all the info here.
Share this:
Like this:
Like Loading.Related
From issues of identity and acceptance to the balance of power and responsibility, these series tackle complex topics in a way that is accessible and thought-provoking. This blending of magic and reality creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Furthermore, the state of the art witch series not only captivate readers with their engaging storytelling but also serve as a platform for diverse voices and representation. Authors in this genre are increasingly incorporating diverse characters that break away from traditional stereotypes, thereby offering readers a broader and more inclusive reading experience. This shift towards inclusivity is not only a reflection of societal changes but also a testament to the genre's ability to adapt and evolve with the times. In conclusion, the state of the art witch series has become a cornerstone of contemporary literature, captivating readers with its intriguing characters, enchanting storytelling, and thought-provoking themes. With its emphasis on complex world-building, diverse representation, and relevant storytelling, this genre has established itself as a must-read for anyone looking for a truly magical reading experience..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Gender: Exploring the Intersectionality of Modern Witchcraft"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The state of the art witch series". The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with any of them. The plot was also predictable and lacked originality, with cliché storylines that have been done countless times before in other fantasy novels. Overall, I found the series to be unimpressive and would not recommend it to fans of the genre.
2. Michael - 1 star - I really disliked "The state of the art witch series". The writing was poor, with awkward dialogue and repetitive descriptions. The author seemed to rely heavily on telling rather than showing, which made the story feel dry and unengaging. Additionally, the world-building was weak and inconsistent, leaving me feeling confused about the rules and dynamics of the magical elements. I struggled to finish the series and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy read.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I found "The state of the art witch series" to be underwhelming. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked any substantial development. I was expecting a thrilling and action-packed story, but instead, I found myself bored and disinterested. The characters were also forgettable, with limited growth or arcs throughout the series. Overall, I was disappointed and felt that the series didn't live up to its potential.
4. James - 1 star - "The state of the art witch series" was a letdown for me. The writing style was amateurish and filled with grammatical errors, which greatly affected my reading experience. The plot was convoluted and nonsensical, making it difficult to follow or invest in the story. The author seemed to rely on shock value rather than building a coherent and well-structured narrative. I would not recommend this series to anyone seeking a well-crafted and enjoyable fantasy series.