This particular painting at least appeared in the public domain circa 1886. The painter, J.W. Waterhouse was only 35 years of age upon its release. (Though I believe this work was painted much earlier) This work caused protest from religious circles though naturally applauded by critics.
The Academy acknowledged the work for its unique subject matter and the artist's apparent knowledge of its content.
What exactly is occurring in the scene?
The Black Arts is a complex procedure of ritual and chants. In order for any true magic to manifest, a "magical Space" must be provided to ensure the Dark One's can enter without fear of reprisal from those who had not fallen from grace. In other words, the witch is creating a safe place for demons to appear, listen and perform the Black Arts on the sorceresses request.
This painting is subtly different, however.
As is well known, practising old pagan rituals was & is a very dangerous activity.
What is interesting in this scene is all the subjects of evil associated with the Black Arts, are outside the circle, Frogs, Ravens and other unidentifiable symbols.
On the inside of her circle, as she draws with her large wand, beautiful flowers and her, a beautiful women, remain within the magic circles confines. The woman is creating a space of protection from the one's who only wish her harm.
The neo-classic attention to detail as Waterhouse is well known, lacks in this painting, thus it is much older than 1886: later we see his art grow and his attention to detail more focused.
Certainly not one of his popular paintings, ironically, upon closer examination, reveals a pagan's desire for good, beauty and to rid herself of a situation, that she did not forsee.
Although somewhat stereotypical, a la Macbeth, the paintings irony, her wish for protection from harm using the Black Arts, makes this image unique.
1 comment:
It's quite a sad blog when you haven't done proper research. Pagan rituals are not dangerous in any way what-so-ever. The symbolic nature of this painting suggest that this woman is creating a sacred space to call upon the Gods and Goddesses. When the sacrad circle is cast none shall enter. The crows, skulls and frogs are only symbols of anything that would be bad in her personal world. About the only thing you got right about this painting is that she is creating a space of protection. The comment " reveals a pagan's desire for good" is offensive to anyone who practices this type of religion. Most (yes, most) pagans are good people who wish no harm. Just as there is good and bad in every walk of life there are some pagans who are a shame to the rest who prefer the light side.
Overall, the painting is very well done and says so much on it's own. I suggest that when you or anyone for that matter decide to critique something so beautiful that you do the proper research on the people it may represent.
For the good of all may it harm none, so mote it be.
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