Sorceresses as Symbols: Victorian Art and the New Woman

During the Victorian era in 19th-century England, the feminist movement embodied by the 'New Woman' advocated for social equality, financial autonomy, and access to education. Male artists often utilized historical themes to challenge female empowerment, portraying influential women as enchantresses. John William Waterhouse (1849–1917) examined this theme in 'The Magic Circle' (1886, Tate Britain), which illustrates a woman creating a protective circle, symbolizing threats to male dominance. In 'Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses' (1891, Gallery Oldham), he presents Circe as a femme fatale. Similarly, Edward Burne-Jones (1833–1898) depicted Nimuë seducing Merlin in 'The Beguiling of Merlin' (1872–1877, Lady Lever Art Gallery), highlighting women's victories over male authority and reflecting the era's gender dynamics amid the suffrage movement.