“Examination of a Witch”, C.1853
Tompkins Harrison Matteson
Oil on Canvas
This image depicts a trial in which a woman is being examined for a "witch's mark". Witch's marks were used to determine if a woman was a witch and were anything from freckles, moles, birthmarks, scars, etc. These marks were said to be where a witch's familiar would suckle or feed.
The Salem Martyr, C. 1869
Thomas Slatterwhite
Oil on Canvas
Trial of George Jacobs, August 5, 1692, C. 1855
Tompkins Harrison Matteson
Oil on Canvas
This image depicts the trial of George Jacobs Sr. Jacobs was an elderly farmer in Salem Village who was accused of witchcraft by several individuals, including his own granddaughter-in-law, Elizabeth Hubbard. Jacobs was arrested, tried, and ultimately convicted of witchcraft. He was executed by hanging on August 19, 1692.