Microscoopopname van de ziekte favus c. 1860 - 1868

This is a photograph of a microscopic image of Favus, a fungal infection, by A. de Montméja, taken sometime after 1841. In the 19th century, scientific advancements like microscopy opened new ways of seeing and understanding the world, but also highlighted the human body’s vulnerability to disease. During this period, diseases often carried social stigmas. Favus, which affects the scalp, skin, and nails, was no exception. Visual representations, such as this photograph, played a crucial role in medical education, research, and the dissemination of knowledge about diseases. They also reflect the power dynamics inherent in the act of observing and categorizing the human body, often influenced by prevailing cultural and social attitudes towards health, hygiene, and difference. Consider how the image captures both the scientific gaze and the human experience of illness, inviting us to reflect on the complex relationship between the body, identity, and representation.