Portret van François Broussais 1825 - 1842

Nicolas Maurin created this print of François Broussais using lithography. Broussais was a controversial French physician known for his widespread use of bloodletting as a therapeutic measure. Considered through a contemporary lens, Broussais’ medical practices are tied to broader issues of power and control over the human body. In the 19th century, medical authority was largely a male domain, with practices often reflecting patriarchal control over women's health and bodies. The aggressive nature of treatments like bloodletting, can be seen as a metaphor for the social and political dominance asserted by the medical establishment. Maurin's portrait captures Broussais with a composed, confident demeanor. The print, distributed widely, would have shaped public perception. This portrait not only reflects Broussais’ image but also the values and power structures inherent in the 19th-century medical field.