Portret van een onbekende man met een armprothese before 1866

This is an undated photograph of an unknown man with an arm prosthesis by Malespine. We see an image of a seated man with his shirt open to reveal his chest. His left arm ends in a mechanical prosthetic which is also on display on the table next to him. This image captures an intersection of identity and history, offering a glimpse into the experiences of individuals living with disabilities, especially veterans returning from war. The man's missing limb, likely due to injury or disease, speaks to the physical and psychological toll of conflict and the rapid advancements in medical technology during this period. The photograph underscores how bodies are marked by both personal experiences and broader societal forces. The man’s gaze, his posture, and the inclusion of his prosthetic all invite us to consider narratives of resilience. It is also a poignant reminder of how individuals navigate a world that often stigmatizes or marginalizes those who deviate from conventional notions of able-bodiedness.