Detail van de Newgate Prison te Londen before 1889

This is a detail of Newgate Prison in London, made by an anonymous artist. Newgate Prison held a prominent place in London’s history. It wasn't merely a place of confinement, it was also a stage for public executions and a symbol of state power. The prison held men and women, rich and poor, who were awaiting trial or serving sentences for crimes ranging from petty theft to murder. For many, Newgate was a place of terror and despair. The artist remains unknown, yet the image offers us a glimpse into the lives of those caught within its walls. What do you feel when looking at it? Does the facelessness of the artist serve to emphasize the anonymity of the prison's inhabitants? The image is both a historical document and a stark reminder of the social inequalities and human suffering that were once a very real part of London’s past.