The Witches' Ride by William Holbrook Beard 1870

"The Witches' Ride" is a 1870 illustration by American artist William Holbrook Beard. The artwork depicts five witches riding on broomsticks against a backdrop of a full moon. The witches' faces are contorted with mischievous glee as they fly through the air, their black cats perched beside them. The artist's use of light and shadow creates a sense of movement and magic, adding to the whimsical atmosphere of the piece. The witches' flight is a classic Halloween theme, invoking a sense of playful mischief and spooky fun. Beard's detailed depiction of the witches and their broomsticks captures the visual essence of this popular folklore trope.