Procès pour sorcellerie intenté à Ysabillon Aubertin dans la prévôté de Nancy en 1599 (Archives départementales de Meurthe et Moselle, B 7326)

Ysabillon Aubertin was a married woman in her fifties, living in a village near Nancy. Women accused of witchcraft were often widows, vulnerable due to the absence of a husband. Ysabillon had a husband, but she was never shown to be protected by him. The trial appears to have been initiated by a man named Bastien des Preys, who accused Ysabillon of having killed his two wives, one after the other. He sought revenge. The accuser brought 28 other witnesses with him. Interrogated and tortured, Ysabillon confessed to what was expected of her. Despite some witnesses saying that Ysabillon did not appear to be a witch, the investigation proceeded in only one direction. This case of revenge is reminiscent of that of Barbe Morel, known as "Grosse Gorge" (Big Throat). She was a healer. She had disappointed some residents of Nancy whose son she had been unable to cure. They turned against her. They rallied people from Nancy whom she had treated. They are now convinced that the one who succeeded in healing may have first sent a "given evil." Ysabillon's profile is, moreover, quite similar to that of Barbe Grosse Gorge.