Veldhospitaal 1718 - 1781

Christian Rugendas created this print, "Veldhospitaal," employing etching and engraving techniques. Rugendas lived during a time marked by frequent conflicts, and his artistic focus on military subjects can be seen in the historical context of 18th-century warfare and its impact on society. In "Veldhospitaal" we see a field hospital, a place of both healing and suffering. The print invites us to consider the human cost of war, beyond the battlefield. Rugendas avoids glorifying battle; instead, he turns our gaze to its grim aftermath. The wounded soldiers, sprawled on the ground, create a scene of vulnerability and pain. The doctors and caregivers are rendered as figures of compassion amidst the chaos, highlighting their efforts. By focusing on the field hospital, Rugendas offers a nuanced perspective on 18th-century military life, inviting us to contemplate the experiences of those who were most directly affected by the violence of their time.