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Praying over a suspected witch in Salem, 1690s
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Praying over a suspected witch in Salem, 1690s
Reverend Cotton Mather attempting to save a soul from witchcraft by prayer, Salem, Massachusetts, 1690s.
Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century Darley illustration
North Wind Picture Archives brings history to life with stock images and hand-colored illustrations
Media ID 5885280
© North Wind Picture Archives
1600s 1690s 1692 17th Century Clergy Clergyman Colonial Colonist Colony English English Colony Evil Evil Spirits Massachusetts Massachusetts Bay Colony Minister New England Persecution Pray Prayer Prejudice Protestant Puritan Religion Religious Persecution Salem Salem Village Salem Witchcraft Settler Spirit Possession Witch Witchcraft Cotton Mather Epilepsy Epileptic Exorcism Seizure Suspect Trance Victim
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This vintage print captures a haunting moment in history, transporting us back to the dark days of the Salem Witch Trials in the 1690s. Reverend Cotton Mather, a prominent clergyman of that time, is depicted fervently praying over a suspected witch in Salem, Massachusetts. The hand-colored woodcut beautifully brings to life an illustration by Darley from the 19th century. In this powerful image, we witness Reverend Mather's desperate attempt to save a soul from the clutches of witchcraft through prayer. The scene is filled with tension and fear as evil spirits are believed to possess innocent victims within this puritanical colonial community. With his eyes closed and hands clasped tightly together, Reverend Mather embodies both determination and compassion as he battles against prejudice and religious persecution. The setting itself speaks volumes about this period in American history – Salem Village, where paranoia ran rampant and accusations flew freely. This artwork serves as a poignant reminder of how mass hysteria can lead to tragic consequences for those falsely accused. Through this piece of artistry, we glimpse into a chapter marked by injustice and superstition; it stands as an enduring testament to our nation's heritage and serves as a cautionary tale against allowing fear and ignorance to cloud judgment. Let us remember these events not only for their historical significance but also as reminders of our collective responsibility towards tolerance and justice.
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