In a video by the Victoria and Albert Museum, curators Ruth Hibbard and Lydia Caston explore the historical evolution of witch depictions over 500 years. They contextualize these shifts within broader social changes, such as the diminishing power of religious institutions and the emergence of the women's suffrage movement. The museum's collections showcase witches as complex figures, ranging from frail old hags to alluring enchantresses, and highlight how current portrayals often symbolize empowerment, reflecting society's evolving perceptions of women's roles and identities throughout history.
The evolution of witch depictions mirrors societal shifts, reflecting changing anxieties and aspirations about gender and women's power across time.
From old hags to seductive enchantresses, witch imagery has transformed, highlighting society's evolving views on female empowerment and resistance.
The analysis shows a shift in witch representation from symbols of destruction to symbols of empowerment, illustrating women's growing influence in society.
Curators Hibbard and Caston explain how the societal backdrop — from church authority decline to women's rights — influenced witch portrayals.
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