Beginning in the 15th century the leaders of the Spanish Inquisition tried and executed thousands of alleged witches for their supposed heretical practices and beliefs. Some of these reputed witches were thought to hold ceremonies called Sabbath or Sabbat, which parodied the Christian mass. This painting, The Witches’ Sabbath (1797-1798), is by Francisco de Goya.
Museo Lazaro Galdiano, Madrid, Spain/Index/Bridgeman Art Library, London/New York