Exhibition at Château des Ducs de Bretagne Explores Witchcraft Imagery and Historical Persecution

An exhibition at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes, France, examines the development of witch imagery and the historical reality of widespread persecution. Curated by Krystel Gualdé, director of the Musée d’histoire de Nantes, the show features approximately 180 artworks spanning from antiquity to contemporary times. It aims to analyze both the construction of cultural representations and the factual accounts of mass trials. The event highlights how artistic depictions have shaped perceptions of witchcraft over centuries, while also addressing the social and historical contexts of these persecutions. Through diverse media, the exhibition provides a comprehensive look at this complex topic, blending art historical inquiry with historical documentation. It serves as a significant cultural exploration into enduring myths and their real-world impacts.