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Discuss The Painting 'Examination Of A Witch' By Thompkins H. Matterson

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The painting “Examination of a Witch” by Thompkins H. Matterson, 1853, in the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA, was created so that the viewer could understand the allegory of the Salem witch trials. Matterson’s purpose was to show the ignorance the people of Salem had along with how naïve they were. This historic painting is a good example of the lifestyle the Puritan’s had during the 17th century.
In this painting there is a crowd of people of both men and a few women all looking upon a young female as if she was a display case. This young female in the center of the room has had her dress stripped off her back only. Surrounding her, these men and woman are all directing their attention to her and looking in very closely at her bare back.

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