Witches Woodcut by Ulrich Molitor from De lamiis et phitonicis mulieribus, 1489 – Medieval Witchcraft Print, Occult Sorcery Illustration Poster, Magic Decor, Halloween Witch Wall Art #183

This Witches Print Poster is a reproduction of a late medieval woodcut from Ulrich Molitor’s De lamiis et phitonicis mulieribus (1489), one of the earliest printed books on witchcraft. The woodcut depicts two witches standing over a blazing cauldron, summoning storm clouds and magical forces under the ominous light of the heavens. It is one of the iconic images that helped shape European conceptions of witchcraft during the late 15th century, directly preceding the infamous Malleus Maleficarum.

Created in an era of religious upheaval and fear of sorcery, Molitor’s text and its illustrations became foundational in the demonological tradition, blending superstition, theology, and folklore into a compelling image of feminine magical power and its dangers.

What the Artwork Depicts

• Two Witches at the Cauldron – Figures cloaked in medieval garb, pouring herbs, potions, and spell ingredients into a fiery vessel.

• The Cauldron of Power – Flames leap from the cauldron as the centerpiece of ritual magic, a symbol of transformation, spellwork, and forbidden knowledge.

• Storm and Rainfall – From above, celestial tears or storm drops descend, evoking the witches’ ability to summon weather and unleash chaos.

• Medieval Symbolism – A representation of the belief that witches could control the elements, brew storms, and bring destruction through sorcery.

Symbolism and Esoteric Meaning

• The Cauldron – In occult tradition, the cauldron represents alchemy, transformation, and the womb of creation. Here it is twisted into an instrument of diabolical power.

• Storm Summoning – Reflects the medieval fear of witches as weather-makers who could ruin crops, sink ships, and call disaster.

• Duality of the Witches – The presence of two witches suggests coven ritual, sisterhood in sorcery, and the power of collective magical practice.

• Medieval Demonology – Embodies the shift from folklore witch to diabolical sorceress in league with demonic forces.

• Occult Feminine Archetype – Echoes ancient associations of women with both nurturing and destructive powers, tied to moon, earth, and hidden wisdom.

Historical and Cultural Context

Ulrich Molitor (fl. 1470–1501), a lawyer from Constance, authored De lamiis et phitonicis mulieribus (“On Witches and Diviner Women”) in 1489 at the request of Emperor Maximilian I. The book became one of the earliest printed treatises on witchcraft, richly illustrated with woodcuts showing women flying on animals, conversing with demons, and brewing storms.

Unlike the harsher Malleus Maleficarum, Molitor’s work took a somewhat skeptical view of witchcraft’s powers, but its images became iconic in shaping the European imagination of witches. The woodcuts circulated widely and influenced later witch-hunting propaganda, embedding the archetype of the storm-summoning crone into Western esotericism and folklore.

Why Choose This Print?

• Authentic reproduction of a 1489 medieval witchcraft woodcut.

• Rich in occult, magical, and historical symbolism.

• A striking piece of witch lore and medieval esotericism.

• Perfect centerpiece for witch altars, occult spaces, or Halloween decor.

• Available on aged handmade paper or gallery-quality canvas for rustic authenticity.

• Unframed – ready for your custom framing to match your interior style.

Perfect For

• Collectors of occult, witchcraft, and demonology prints.

• Practitioners of magic, spellcraft, and ritual work.

• Lovers of medieval history, esotericism, and folklore.

• Gothic and occult interior decoration.

• Unique Halloween wall art or a mystical gift for witches and occultists.

Spell and Storm

This Witches Poster is more than a medieval illustration – it is a window into the fears, fascinations, and mythologies that shaped the European witch archetype. From Molitor’s 1489 treatise, it immortalizes the witch at her cauldron, summoning storm and fire, embodying both the terror and the allure of forbidden magic.

👉 Order your Witchcraft Woodcut Print today and bring into your home a powerful piece of medieval occult history, perfect for witches, mystics, and lovers of esoteric lore.

Canvas vs. Hand-Made Paper — Print Comparison Guide