Rune stones are ancient artifacts that hold symbolic meanings in Norse mythology and ancient Germanic cultures. These stones were inscribed with various symbols known as runes, which were believed to possess magical and mystical powers. The symbols found on rune stones represent the letters of the runic alphabet, known as the Futhark. This alphabet consisted of 24 letters, each with a distinct shape and meaning. The symbols ranged from simple lines and curves to more intricate designs, representing concepts such as strength, protection, and wisdom. Each rune stone had its own unique set of symbols, and the arrangement of these symbols conveyed different messages.
All three paintings depict the trio of witches from William Shakespeare's Macbeth who foretell his fate. Looking for a wicked good time? Compare The Huntington's version of Fuseli's Three Witches (above) with the two other versions below. Scholars believe The Huntington’s is a study for the two that followed. Which witch is your favorite?
The Huntington s recently acquired The Three Witches or The Weird Sisters , painted by Henry Fuseli 1741-1825 in about 1785, goes on view tomorrow in the Huntington Art Gallery. Two little witches two little witches Played a little game played a little game They were very good friends very good friends Who looked the same who looked the same.
Each rune stone had its own unique set of symbols, and the arrangement of these symbols conveyed different messages. They were often used as a form of communication, with the symbols acting as a written language. People would inscribe these symbols onto stones, wood, or metal objects to convey messages or invoke specific powers.
Which Witch?
Henry Fuseli (1741-1825), The Three Witches or The Weird Sisters, ca. 1785, oil on canvas, 24 ¾ x 30 ¼ in. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Purchased with funds from The George R. and Patricia Geary Johnson British Art Acquisition Fund.
The Huntington’s recently acquired The Three Witches or The Weird Sisters, painted by Henry Fuseli (1741-1825) in about 1785, goes on view tomorrow in the Huntington Art Gallery. It’s one of three full-size color versions that the artist made. The others are at the Kunsthaus Zürich and the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
All three paintings depict the trio of witches from William Shakespeare's Macbeth who foretell his fate. Looking for a wicked good time? Compare The Huntington's version of Fuseli's Three Witches (above) with the two other versions below. Scholars believe The Huntington’s is a study for the two that followed. Which witch is your favorite?
The Kunsthaus Zürich’s Witches (1783):
Henry Fuseli, The Three Witches, 1783, oil on canvas, 25 1/2 x 36 in. The Kunsthaus Zürich.
And the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Witches (ca. 1783):
Henry Fuseli, 'Macbeth', Act I, Scene 3, the Weird Sisters, ca. 1783, oil on canvas, 29 1/2 x 35 ½ in. Royal Shakespeare Company Collection.
Why do you think Fuseli made the changes he did? He re-cast and re-costumed the characters for one thing. But there’s more.
Look closely at the upper left corner of the Kunsthaus Zürich painting. What is that winged-skull-demon thing haunting the upper left?! (It’s also in the Royal Shakespeare Company version, but just harder to see.) Hint: It’s on the movie poster for the 1991 thriller “Silence of the Lambs.”
Well, it’s a Death's-head Hawkmoth, a real insect with markings uncannily similar to a human skull. As an element of the painting, it serves as a portentous symbol of the fate awaiting Macbeth.
Death’s-head Hawkmoth (Image from Wikimedia Commons. Acherontia atropos MHNT by Didier Descouens. File is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.)
Thankfully, we don’t have any Death's-head Hawkmoths in North America. Happy Halloween!
Related content on Verso:
A Magic Brew? (Oct. 31, 2014)
More Than Meets the Eye (Dec. 16, 2014)
Thea M. Page is director of marketing communications at The Huntington.
Henry Fuseli (1741-1825), The Three Witches or The Weird Sisters, ca. 1785, oil on canvas, 24 ¾ x 30 ¼ in. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Purchased with funds from The George R. and Patricia Geary Johnson British Art Acquisition Fund.
The rune stones themselves were often used for divination purposes. Individuals would cast the stones onto a surface and interpret the symbols that landed facing up. This method, known as casting or reading the runes, was believed to provide insight into the future, answer questions, or offer guidance. In addition to their divinatory uses, rune stones were also used for protective purposes. The symbols were believed to possess magical properties that could ward off evil spirits or protect the wearer from harm. They were often worn as amulets or talismans, carried as charms, or placed in the home for protection. Today, rune stones and their symbols continue to be of interest to many. They are used in various forms of modern divination, such as Tarot readings or rune readings. The symbols themselves have also been incorporated into modern artwork, jewelry, and tattoos, often as a way to honor ancient Norse and Germanic cultures. Overall, rune stones and their symbols have played a significant role in Norse mythology and ancient Germanic cultures. They acted as a form of written communication, provided insight into the future, and offered protection against evil forces. Today, they continue to hold a fascination and connection to our ancestral past..
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