This journal article examines the portrayal of the witch archetype in Art History, uncovering not only the aesthetic choices made by artists but also the ways in which prevailing beliefs, moral panics, and societal anxieties have shaped these depictions. I discuss the iconography, visual imagery, literary inspirations, and historical context behind each examined artwork and artist to fully grasp this turbulent history. The term “witch” describes mythological figures with inborn or acquired magical powers. The ways these powers function differ from region and culture. However, one aspect prevails in all of them: the witch is predominantly a woman. This female archetype offers a new perspective on the history of women’s struggles in a male-dominated society. In this article, I compare artworks across time and space, analyzing the portrayal of witches by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Remedios Varo, and Leonora Carrington. I explore the evolution of the witch archetype and its shift from demonization to empowerment, drawing parallels to the changing views of women in society.
