Visiting the Sick 1635 - 1700

"Visiting the Sick" is an undated engraving on a trimmed sheet of paper. It is an anonymous work which presents a scene of social and communal care. The print gives insight into the era’s attitudes towards illness, social responsibility, and the roles within community life. The figures are differentiated by attire, hinting at social class. The somber, yet composed demeanor of the visitors, set against the stark reality of the sick man’s chamber, highlights the performative aspects of charity and piety during this historical period. The inclusion of children in the scene suggests an intergenerational transmission of values. This work invites us to reflect on how societies construct norms around health, care, and social duty, prompting questions about who is included, who is excluded, and what values are perpetuated through these practices.